Composite image selectivity

ABSTRACT

Exemplary embodiments provide a technique that processes captured images derived from selected targeted objects in a field of view. The captured images may be transferred via a communication link to a storage location for future availability. A possible aspect may provide a cross-reference association between saved multiple exposures having different quality characteristics. In some instances an identifier record is provided to enable future accessibility to selected captured data by one or more authorized parties or approved devices or authorized recipients. In some embodiments the captured data may include both a video data stream and one or more still image frames derived from related fields of view. Stored versions of the captured images may be provided in original or altered form to be incorporated in a composite visual work.

PRIORITY CLAIM, CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION, ANDINCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The present application is related to and claims the benefit of theearliest available effective filing date(s) from the following listedapplication(s) (the “Related Applications”) (e.g., claims earliestavailable priority dates for other than provisional patent applicationsor claims benefits under 35 USC § 119(e) for provisional patentapplications, for any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent,etc. applications of the Related Application(s)).

Related Applications

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of U.S. patentapplication entitled ESTIMATING SHARED IMAGE DEVICE OPERATIONALCAPABILITIES OR RESOURCES, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien,Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, and John D. Rinaldo, Jr. as inventors,filed Jun. 2, 2005, Ser. No. 11/143,970, which is currently co-pending,or is an application of which a currently co-pending application listedas a Related Application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date;

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of U.S. patentapplication entitled SHARED IMAGE DEVICE DESIGNATION, naming Edward K.Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, and John D.Rinaldo, Jr. as inventors, filed Jul. 26, 2005, Ser. No. 11/190,516,which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currentlyco-pending application listed as a Related Application is entitled tothe benefit of the filing date;

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of U.S. patentapplication entitled SAVED-IMAGE MANAGEMENT, naming Royce A. Levien,Robert W. Lord, and Mark A. Malamud, as inventors, filed Oct. 31, 2005,Ser. No. 11/263,587, which is currently co-pending, or is an applicationof which a currently co-pending application listed as a RelatedApplication is entitled to the benefit of the filing date For purposesof the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present applicationconstitutes a continuation in part of U.S. patent application entitledCONDITIONAL ALTERATION OF A SAVED IMAGE, naming Royce A. Levien, RobertW. Lord, and Mark A. Malamud, as inventors, filed Nov. 1, 2005, Ser. No.11/264,701 which is currently co-pending, or is an application of whicha currently co-pending application listed as a Related Application isentitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of U.S. patentapplication entitled IMAGERY PROCESSING, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, RoyceA. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, and John D. Rinaldo, Jr. asinventors, filed 28 Feb. 2006, Ser. No. 11/364,496 which is currentlyco-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pendingapplication listed as a Related Application is entitled to the benefitof the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of U.S. patentapplication entitled DATA MANAGEMENT OF A DATA STREAM, naming Edward K.Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, and John D.Rinaldo, Jr. as inventors, filed Mar. 15, 2006, Ser. No. 11/376,627which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currentlyco-pending application listed as a Related Application is entitled tothe benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of U.S. patentapplication entitled STORAGE ACCESS TECHNIQUE FOR CAPTURED DATA, namingRoyce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, and Mark A. Malamud as inventors, filedApr. 3, 2006, Ser. No. 11/397,357 which is currently co-pending, or isan application of which a currently co-pending application listed as aRelated Application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of U.S. patentapplication entitled THIRD PARTY STORAGE OF CAPTURED DATA, naming RoyceA. Levien, Robert W. Lord, and Mark A. Malamud as inventors, filed Apr.13, 2006, Ser. No. 11/404,104 which is currently co-pending, or is anapplication of which a currently co-pending application listed as aRelated Application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of U.S. patentapplication entitled DATA STORAGE USAGE PROTOCOL, naming Royce A.Levien, Robert W. Lord, and Mark A. Malamud as inventors, filed Apr. 14,2006, Ser. No. 11/404,381 which is currently co-pending, or is anapplication of which a currently co-pending application listed as aRelated Application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of U.S. patentapplication entitled DEGRADATION/PRESERVATION MANAGEMENT OF CAPTUREDDATA, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A.Malamud, and John D. Rinaldo, Jr. as inventors, filed May 15, 2006, Ser.No. 11/434,568, which is currently co-pending, or is an application ofwhich a currently co-pending application listed as a Related Applicationis entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of U.S. patentapplication entitled DUAL MODE IMAGE CAPTURE TECHNIQUE, naming Royce A.Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, and John D. Rinaldo, Jr. asinventors, filed May 19, 2006, Ser. No. 11/437,284, which is currentlyco-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pendingapplication listed as a Related Application is entitled to the benefitof the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of U.S. patentapplication entitled ENHANCED VIDEO/STILL IMAGE CORRELATION, namingRoyce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, and John D. Rinaldo,Jr. as inventors, filed 23 May 2006, Ser. No. 11/440,409, which iscurrently co-pending, or is an application of which a currentlyco-pending application listed as a Related Application is entitled tothe benefit of the filing date.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation in part of U.S. patentapplication entitled CAPTURING SELECTED IMAGE OBJECTS, naming Edward K.Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, and John D.Rinaldo, Jr. as inventors, filed 18 Aug. 2006, Ser. No. ______, attorneydocket # 0605-003-003D-000000, which is currently co-pending, or is anapplication of which a currently co-pending application listed as aRelated Application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

All subject matter of the Related Applications and of any and allparent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the RelatedApplications is incorporated herein by reference to the extent suchsubject matter is not inconsistent herewith.

SUMMARY

Various possible system embodiment implementations are disclosed herein.For example an exemplary image access system may include a computerizeduser-interface for facilitating selection of one or more visualcomponents to be incorporated in a composite work, a data record thatincludes an identification of one or more captured images having apossible visual component available for display and retrieval, a displaymodule operatively coupled with the computerized user-interface toenable viewing of a representation of the possible visual component, anda processing module for accomplishing retrieval of a selected visualcomponent for incorporation in the composite work.

Some exemplary methods of composite image selection may includeobtaining access to a collection of captured images, providing acomputerized user-interface that is capable of display of arepresentation of various visual elements that are part of a capturedimage from the collection, and allowing a user to have viewing access tothe display of the representation in order to make a selection of apossible component element to be incorporated as part of a compositework. Related aspects may include providing an input technique thatenables an identification of the user's selection of the possiblecomponent element; and establishing a record of the selection made bythe user, which record facilitates future availability of the selection.

Another exemplary method of creating a composite visual work may includeidentifying a collection of captured images, associating rights-relatedinformation with one or more component elements of the captured images,presenting a representation of at least one of the captured images forviewing by a user, and enabling compliance with the rights-relatedinformation in connection with a selection of a specified componentelement of the captured images for incorporation in a composite work.

An exemplary computer program product may include one or more computerprograms for executing a process that includes displaying arepresentation of one or more captured images, providing auser-interface with accessibility to the representation of the capturedimages in order to facilitate a user's selection of a specified visualcomponent to be incorporated in a composite work, providing an inputtechnique that enables identification of the user's selection of thespecified visual component, and establishing a record of the user'sselection of the specified visual component.

A computer program product embodiment may include storage media and/orsignal communication media for encoding instructions for executing theprocess.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be inany way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments,and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and featureswill become apparent by reference to the drawings and the followingdetailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates the exemplary system that includes a thin computingdevice that may interface with an electronic device.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary system in which embodiments may beimplemented.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary system in which embodiments may beimplemented.

FIG. 4 depicts one implementation of an exemplary environment in whichthe methods and systems described herein may be represented.

FIG. 5 depicts a high-level flowchart of an exemplary operationalprocess.

FIG. 6 shows several alternative implementations of the high-levelflowchart of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 shows several other alternative implementations of the high-levelflowchart of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 shows additional alternative implementation features regardingsaved digital images.

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram showing exemplary data storagecommunication embodiments.

FIG. 10 schematically illustrates other possible features incorporatedin an exemplary separate storage facility/location.

FIG. 11 schematically illustrates other possible features incorporatedin an exemplary capture/transmitting device.

FIG. 12 is a high level flow chart showing another exemplary datastorage access embodiment.

FIGS. 13-17 are detailed flow charts illustrating additional exemplaryembodiments.

FIG. 18 illustrates another exemplary computer program productembodiment.

FIG. 19 is a schematic block diagram showing exemplary embodiments for acapture device and a separate data storage facility.

FIG. 20 is a high level flow chart showing a further exemplary processembodiment.

FIGS. 21-26 are detailed flow charts illustrating other exemplaryembodiments.

FIG. 27 illustrates a further exemplary computer program productembodiment.

FIGS. 28-29 are high level flow charts showing additional exemplaryprocess embodiments.

FIGS. 30-36 are detailed flow charts illustrating further exemplaryembodiments.

FIG. 37 illustrates another exemplary computer program productembodiment.

FIG. 38 shows a schematic diagram for an exemplary system embodimentincorporating video and still image modules.

FIG. 39 is a schematic block diagram for an exemplary system forcapturing both still image frames and video data streams.

FIGS. 40-41 are high level flow charts showing further exemplary processembodiments.

FIGS. 42-49 are detailed flow charts illustrating other exemplaryembodiments.

FIG. 50 illustrates a further exemplary computer program productembodiment.

FIG. 51 is a schematic block diagram illustrating various exemplaryembodiments for correlating captured video streams and still images.

FIG. 52 is a high level flow chart illustrating another exemplaryprocess embodiment.

FIGS. 53-57 are detailed flow charts depicting other exemplaryembodiments.

FIG. 58 illustrates an additional exemplary computer program productembodiment.

FIG. 59 is a schematic block diagram showing various exemplaryimplementation features for capturing multiple exposures.

FIG. 60 is a schematic diagram illustrating exemplary components thatmay be used for capturing and processing multiple exposures.

FIG. 61 is a diagrammatic representation of exemplary embodimentfeatures for retrieval of captured image elements to be incorporated ina composite visual work.

FIG. 62 is a high level flow chart illustrating a further exemplaryprocess embodiment.

FIGS. 63-68 are detailed flow charts showing other exemplaryembodiments.

FIG. 69 is a high level flow chart illustrating another exemplaryprocess embodiment.

FIG. 70 is a detailed flow chart depicting additional exemplaryembodiment features.

FIG. 71 illustrates an exemplary computer program product embodiment.

FIG. 72 is a schematic diagram showing exemplary features incorporatedin a user-interface display embodiment.

FIG. 73 is a schematic bock diagram illustrating exemplary embodimentfeatures for a composite image selection system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings,similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless contextdictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in thedetailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting.Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made,without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matterpresented here.

FIG. 1 provides a brief, general description of an illustrative and/orsuitable exemplary environment in which embodiments may be implemented.In FIG. 1, as in the other figures, the figure is an example of anenvironment and does not suggest any limitation as to the structure,scope of use, or functionality of an embodiment. An embodiment shouldnot be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating toany one or combination of components illustrated in an exemplaryenvironment. For example, in certain instances, elements of anenvironment and/or a method may be deemed not necessary and omitted. Inother instances, other elements may be deemed necessary and added.

FIG. 1 illustrates the exemplary system that includes a thin computingdevice 20 that may interface with an electronic device (not shown). Theelectronic device may include one or more functional elements 51. Forexample, the electronic device may include any item having electricaland/or electronic components playing a role in a functionality of theitem, such as a limited resource computing device, a game console, adigital camera, a cell phone, a printer, a refrigerator, a car, and anairplane. The thin computing device includes a processing unit 21, asystem memory 22, and a system bus 23 that couples various systemcomponents including the system memory to the processing unit. Thesystem bus may be any of several types of bus structures including amemory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus usingany of a variety of bus architectures. The system memory includesread-only memory (ROM) 24 and random access memory (RAM) 25. A basicinput/output system (BIOS) 26, containing the basic routines that helpto transfer information between sub-components within the thin computingdevice, such as during start-up, is stored in the ROM. A number ofprogram modules may be stored in the ROM and/or RAM, including anoperating system 28, one or more application programs 29, other programmodules 30, and program data 31.

A user may enter commands and information into the computing device 20through user input devices, such as a number of switches and buttons,illustrated as hardware buttons 44, which may be associated with theelectronic device and connected via a suitable interface 45. Inputdevices may further include a touch-sensitive display screen 32 withsuitable input detection circuitry 33. The output circuitry of thetouch-sensitive display screen is connected to the system bus 23 via avideo driver 37. Other input devices may include a microphone 34connected through a suitable audio interface 35, and a physical hardwarekeyboard (not shown). In addition to the display 32, the computingdevice 20 may include other peripheral output devices, such as at leastone speaker 38.

Other external input or output devices 39, such as a joystick, game pad,satellite dish, scanner, an external computer readable medium, or thelike may be connected to the processing unit 21 through a USB port 40and USB port interface 41, to the system bus 23. Alternatively, theother external input and output devices 39 may be connected by otherinterfaces, such as a parallel port, game port or other port. Thecomputing device 20 may further include or be capable of connecting to aflash card memory (not shown) through an appropriate connection port(not shown). The computing device may further include or be capable of aconnection with a network through a network port 42 and networkinterface 43, and/or through wireless port 46 and corresponding wirelessinterface 47. Such a connection may be provided to facilitatecommunication with other peripheral devices, including other computers,printers, and so on (not shown). It will be appreciated that the variouscomponents and connections shown are exemplary and other components andmeans of establishing communications links may be used.

The computing device 20 may be designed to include a user interfacehaving a character, key-based, other user data input via the touchsensitive display 32 using a stylus (not shown). Moreover, the userinterface is not limited to an actual touch-sensitive panel arranged fordirectly receiving input, but may alternatively or in addition respondto another input device, such as the microphone 34. For example, spokenwords may be received at the microphone 34 and recognized.Alternatively, the computing device may be designed to include a userinterface having a physical keyboard (not shown).

The device functional elements 51 are typically application specific andrelated to a function of the electronic device. The device functionalelements are driven by a device functional element(s) interface 50,which coupled with the system bus 23. A functional element may typicallyperform a single well-defined task with little or no user configurationor setup, such as a refrigerator keeping food cold, a cell phoneconnecting with an appropriate tower and transceiving voice or datainformation, and/or a camera capturing and saving an image.

In the description that follows, certain embodiments may be describedwith reference to acts and symbolic representations of operations thatare performed by one or more computing devices, such as the thincomputing device 20 of FIG. 1. As such, it will be understood that suchacts and operations, which are at times referred to as beingcomputer-executed, include the manipulation by the processing unit ofthe computer of electrical signals representing data in a structuredform. This manipulation transforms the data or maintains them atlocations in the memory system of the computer, which reconfigures orotherwise alters the operation of the computer in a manner wellunderstood by those skilled in the art. The data structures in whichdata is maintained are physical locations of the memory that haveparticular properties defined by the format of the data. However, whilean embodiment is being described in the foregoing context, it is notmeant to be limiting as those of skill in the art will appreciate thatthe acts and operations described hereinafter may also be implemented inhardware.

Embodiments may be described in a general context of computer-executableinstructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer.Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects,components, data structures, etc., that perform particular tasks orimplement particular abstract data types. An embodiment may also bepracticed in a distributed computing environment where tasks areperformed by remote processing devices that are linked through acommunications network. In a distributed computing environment, programmodules may be located in both local and remote computer storage mediaincluding memory storage devices.

Embodiments may be implemented with numerous other general-purpose orspecial-purpose computing devices, computing system environments, and/orconfigurations. Examples of well-known computing systems, environments,and/or configurations that may be suitable for use with an embodimentinclude, but are not limited to, personal computers, handheld or laptopdevices, personal digital assistants, multiprocessor systems,microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmable consumerelectronics, network, minicomputers, server computers, game servercomputers, web server computers, mainframe computers, and distributedcomputing environments that include any of the above systems or devices.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary system 200 in which embodiments may beimplemented. The system includes a digital camera 210 having imagecapture and image storage functionality. The digital camera 210 includesa computing device (not shown), such as the thin computing device 20described in conjunction with FIG. 1, that is operable to interact withfunctional elements of the digital camera. The digital camera alsoincludes a plurality of user interfaces 220. The plurality of interfaces220 includes a display 232. In alternative embodiments, the display mayprovide a textual, a visual display, and/or a graphical display. In afurther embodiment, the display may include touch screen functionalityoperable to accept a user input. The plurality of user interfaces of thecamera also includes a microphone 234, a speaker 238, and a plurality oftangible buttons 244A-244E. One or more of the tangible buttons mayinclude a light emitter, such as a light emitting device 246A. Further,one or more of the tangible buttons 244A-244E may include a vibratoroperable to provide a tactile display. The display 232 and the tangiblebuttons 244A-244E may have any functionality appropriate to the digitalcamera. For example, the button 244E may be assigned to operate a cameraelement, such as a shutter function. The button 244A may be assigned an“enter” function, and buttons 244B and 244C may be respectively assigneda scroll up and scroll down function relative to a menu displayed on thedisplay 232. The button 244D may be assigned to operate another cameraelement, such as a lens zoom function. The digital camera also includescontext sensors 250, which may be selected, for example, to producerelevant information about an environment extrinsic to the digitalcamera. The context sensors are illustrated as an external temperaturesensor 252 and a light intensity sensor 254. The digital camera furtherincludes a USB port 240, a network port 242, and/or a wireless port (notshown).

In addition, the digital camera 210 includes a lens (not shown) and animage acquisition module (not shown). The image acquisition modulecontrols the lens, a shutter, an aperture, and/or other elements asnecessary to capture an image through the lens. In an embodiment,capturing images using digital cameras or camcorders may be equated withphotography as performed by conventional film cameras. A captured imagemay be processed, stored, viewed, and/or distributed by the digitalcamera. The digital camera also includes a system memory (not shown),such as the system memory 22 of the thin computing device 20 of FIG. 1.The system memory includes saved operating systems and programsnecessary to operate the digital camera. In addition, the digital cameramay include a computer readable media (not shown), such as the computerreadable medium described in conjunction with FIG. 3 below.

The digital camera 210 includes operability to receive a user inputthrough an interface of the plurality of interfaces 220. For example, inan embodiment, detecting a user touch to the button 244D may be receivedas an instruction and/or a selection. Another detected user touch toanother user interface of the plurality of user interfaces 220 may bereceived as another instruction and/or a selection. The user touch maybe detected by a user interface physically incorporated in the aspect ofthe digital camera 210 or proximate thereto. In an alternativeembodiment, a user input may be received by detecting a signalresponsive to a sound or voice received by the microphone 234. Forexample, a detection and recognition of a signal responsive to a spokencommand to the microphone 234 may be received as an instruction toactivate a program associated with the digital camera. Further, adetection of a signal responsive to a sound or voice may be received bythe microphone 234.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary system 300 in which embodiments may beimplemented. The system includes a digital camera 310. The digitalcamera includes an image acquisition module 320 operable to capture animage, an image management module 330, and a computer readable medium,illustrated as computer readable media 340.

In an embodiment, the digital camera 310 may include a computing device(not expressly shown) that handles any required processing. For example,the computing device may include at least a part of the system describedin conjunction with FIG. 1, including the thin computing device 20, thatmay interface with at least one functional element of the digitalcamera. In an embodiment, the digital camera may include a processingunit, illustrated as a processing unit 350, and a system memory 355,which may be substantially similar to the processing unit 21 and thesystem memory 22 respectively of FIG. 1. In another embodiment, thedigital camera may include at least a part of the exemplary system 200and/or the digital camera 210 described in conjunction with FIG. 2.

The image management module 330 includes an operability to save acaptured image at a resolution in the computer readable medium 340 andin a user-accessible form. In an embodiment, the operability to save thecaptured image at a resolution in the computer readable medium and in auser-accessible form includes an operability to save a captured image ina format at least substantially suitable for presentation by a visualdisplay of the digital camera 310, such as a display screen. Forexample, the operability to save a captured image at a resolution in thecomputer readable medium and in a user-accessible form may include anoperability to save a captured image at a resolution in a JPEG format, aGIF format, a TIFF format, or a PDF format. In another embodiment, theoperability to save the captured image at a resolution in the computerreadable medium and in a user-accessible form includes an operability tosave the captured image at a resolution in the computer readable mediumafter data representative of the captured image has been decoded andprocessed from a raw format. Typically, the raw data is decoded and/orprocessed from a raw format, i.e., raw image data, into a JPEG format, aGIF format, a TIFF format, or a PDF format. In a further embodiment, theoperability to save the captured image at a resolution in the computerreadable medium and in a user-accessible form includes an operability tosave the captured image in a form accessible to a user of the digitalcamera in the computer readable medium. For example, the form accessibleto a user of the digital camera may include a JPEG format, a GIF format,a TIFF format, a PDF format, or a raw format where the digital cameraallows a user access to a saved captured image in a raw format.

In an embodiment, an “image” may include a full image. In anotherembodiment, an “image” may include a portion of an image, a segment of afull image, a thumbnail of an image, and/or an icon that pertains to animage. Another embodiment of an “image” may include a photograph and/ora digital image that can be captured by an image capture device such as,for example, the digital camera 310. Certain embodiments of a streamingimage may include a video that may be captured by the digital camera,such as, for example, a digital camcorder camera.

The term “resolution” may include an indication of a measurement ofimage detail, such as may be expressed as pixels per inch, dots perinch, or samples per inch, etc. In certain embodiments, a file size ofan image is a function of its resolution, and in certain embodiments ofrelatively limited storage-capability cameras, relatively fewhigh-resolution images can be saved.

In another embodiment, a “user-accessible form” may include at least oneof a location in the computer readable medium that allows a user toaccess a file saved therein, a file formatted to allow a user of thedigital camera 310 to view and/or manipulate the captured image, aproperty of the captured image written to the computer readable medium,and/or an organization of the computer readable medium that allows auser to access a file saved therein. For example, data indicative of thecaptured image written to a hard drive in a JPEG format generally allowsa user to view and/or manipulate the captured image. In an embodiment, auser-accessible storage medium may include all or any portion of anycomputer readable storage medium that allows a user, typically through auser interface, to act with respect to and/or interact with the image,such as viewing the image, manipulating the image, and/or directing theimage to another location.

The image management module 330 also includes an operability to decreasethe resolution of the saved captured image in the computer readablemedium if a condition is met. In an embodiment, the condition mayinclude a condition corresponding in part or whole to a state of thecomputer readable medium, a presence and/or absence of a predeterminedcontent of the saved captured image, a characteristic of the savedimage, an image storage administrative criterion, and/or a temporalcriterion. In a further embodiment, a condition does not include anautomatic or standing condition that normally occurs upon completion ofa processing, for example, completion of decoding raw image data into amore machine usable and/or user viewable format.

Examples of decreasing a resolution of a saved captured image include,but are not limited to, changing a resolution of a saved captured image,resampling a saved captured image, adjusting an exposure of a savedcaptured image, adjusting some image content of a saved captured image,and/or adjusting image composition of a saved captured image. Asdescribed within this document, certain embodiments of the decreasing aresolution of a saved captured image are configurable to decrease theresolution of the image such as by utilizing pixel-combination and/orcombination of multiple images. The decreasing a resolution of a savedcaptured image may include altering image intensity and/or color values.The decreasing a resolution of a saved captured image may in certainembodiments, but not others, be equated to sizing the resolution of animage downward, and may other embodiments be implemented by removingpixels from the saved captured image. The decreasing a resolution of asaved captured image may pertain in certain embodiments, but not others,to altering the color values and/or the color intensities of aparticular image. The decreasing a resolution of a saved captured imagemay pertain to decreasing the density of the pixels forming the image.During a resolution decreasing process, in certain embodiments of adisplay or projector, a footprint of pixels may be suitably altered toeffectively change the resolution of the at least one image.

In an embodiment, the computer readable media 340 may include a varietyof computer readable media products. The computer readable media mayinclude any storage media accessible by a computing device, and includesboth removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and not oflimitation, computer-readable media may include any computer storagemedia. Computer storage media includes removable and non-removable mediaimplemented in any method or technology for storage of information suchas computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, orother data. Computer storage media may include, but are not limited to,magnetic devices, such as magnetic disk storage, magnetic cassettes,magnetic tape, or other magnetic storage devices; optical devices, suchas CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD), or other optical disk storage;memory cards, such a flash memory card; and/or any other medium whichmay be used to store the captured information and which can be accessedby a computing device. Combinations of any of the above may also beincluded within the scope of a computer-readable medium.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment where the computer readable media 340includes at least one instance of a computer readable medium.Illustrated instances of a computer readable medium include a computerstorage device 348, a non-removable non-volatile medium 346, and/or aremovable non-volatile medium 344. In an embodiment, the computerstorage device may include any device capable of storing data, such as,for example, a mass storage device, a disk drive, and/or a tape drive.In another embodiment, the non-removable non-volatile medium may includea non-volatile magnetic disk or other medium. In a further embodiment,the removable non-volatile medium may include an optical disk such as aCD ROM, magnetic tape cassettes, flash memory cards, DVDs, and/ordigital video tape.

In an embodiment, the computer readable medium 340 includes anon-volatile computer storage device. In another embodiment, thecomputer readable medium includes a non-volatile computer readablemedium. In a further embodiment, the computer readable medium includes aremovable non-volatile computer readable medium.

In an embodiment, the image acquisition module 320 operable to capturean image includes an image acquisition module operable to capture astill image, an image stream, and/or a combination of a still image andan image stream. In another embodiment, the image acquisition moduleoperable to capture an image includes an image acquisition moduleoperable to capture at least one of a visual image, an audio image,and/or a combination of a visual image and an audio image. In a furtherembodiment, the image acquisition module operable to capture an imageincludes an image acquisition module operable to capture an image inresponse to a received instruction from another digital device. Thereceived instruction from another digital device may include aninstruction received from another digital camera. The receivedinstruction may direct capture of the image, or may include dataresponsive to which the image acquisition module captures the image.

In an embodiment, the image management module 330 operable to save acaptured image at a resolution in a computer readable medium and in auser-accessible form includes an image management module operable tosave a captured image at a resolution in the computer readable mediumand in a user-accessible album of images stored in a computer readablemedium. In another embodiment, the image management module operable tosave a captured image at a resolution in a computer readable mediumincludes an image management module operable to save a captured image ata resolution in the computer readable medium and in a user-accessiblecollection of images stored in a computer readable medium. In a furtherembodiment, the image management module operable to save a capturedimage at a resolution in the computer readable medium and in auser-accessible form includes an image management module operable tosave a captured image at a resolution in a user-accessible datastructure.

In an embodiment, the image management module 330 operable to decreasethe resolution of the saved captured image in the computer readablemedium if a condition is met includes an image management moduleoperable to decrease the resolution of the saved captured image in thecomputer readable medium using a lossy compression algorithm if acondition is met. In another embodiment, the image management moduleoperable to decrease the resolution of the saved captured image in thecomputer readable medium if a condition is met includes an imagemanagement module operable to decrease the resolution of the savedcaptured image in the computer readable medium if a time exceeds apreselected time threshold. The preselected time threshold may exceedfive seconds. The preselected time threshold may exceed at least aselected one of ten seconds, thirty seconds, one minute, thirty minutes,ninety minutes, five hours, twelve hours, one day, one week, one month,or one year.

In a further embodiment, the image management module 330 operable todecrease the resolution of the saved captured image in the computerreadable medium if a condition is met includes an image managementmodule operable to decrease the resolution of the saved captured imagein the computer readable medium if a time value is inside a preselectedtime window. In an embodiment, the image management module operable todecrease the resolution of the saved captured image in the computerreadable medium if a condition is met includes an image managementmodule operable to decrease the resolution of the saved captured imagein the computer readable medium if a condition is met where thecondition corresponds to at least one of a storage space availability inthe computer readable medium, a user established parameter, apreselected content of the image, and/or a parameter established by astorage management algorithm. In another embodiment, the imagemanagement module operable to decrease the resolution of the savedcaptured image in the computer readable medium if a condition is metincludes an image management module operable to decrease the resolutionof the saved captured image in the computer readable medium if acondition independent of the operation to save a captured image at aresolution in the computer readable medium is met. In a furtherembodiment, the image management module operable to decrease theresolution of the saved captured image in the computer readable mediumif a condition is met includes an image management module operable todecrease the resolution of the saved captured image in the computerreadable medium if a condition responsive to an examination of at leastone other captured image saved in the computer readable medium is met.For example, a condition responsive to an examination of at least oneother captured image saved in the computer readable medium may includeexamining a content and/or context of the at least one or more othersaved captured images for a repetition and/or duplication. If at leastone other saved captured image is examined and found to be repetitiveand/or duplicative of the saved captured image, the condition would bemet and the image management module would operate to reduce theresolution of the saved captured image. In an alternative embodiment,the image management module may include an operability to reduce theresolution of the at least one other saved image in response to thecondition being met.

In an embodiment, the image management module 330 may further include animage management module operable to further decrease the resolution ofthe captured image saved in the computer readable medium if anothercondition is met.

FIG. 4 depicts one implementation of an exemplary environment in whichthe methods and systems described herein may be represented. In thedepicted exemplary environment 100, are illustrated a variety ofexemplary sensors: a digital video camera 102 operated by one or moreusers represented by user 104; a digital video camera 106 used inconjunction with a digital still camera 108, both operated by one ormore users represented by user 110; and a sensor suite 112 comprisingmore than one sensor represented by sensor 114 and sensor 116 (whereinthe sensors 114 and 116 may be but need not be physically co-located,and may be but need not be of the same type, e.g., sensor 114 may be aninfrared device and sensor 116 may be a radar device), the sensor suitebeing operated by one or more users represented by user 118. Theexemplary sensors represent a variety of devices for the detectionand/or the recording and/or the transmission of imagery aspects, e.g.,images, including but not limited to digital video cameras, digitalstill cameras, digital sensor (e.g. CCD or CMOS) arrays, and radar sets.The exemplary users 104, 110, and/or 118 may, for example, operate theexemplary sensors manually or may supervise and/or monitor theirautomatic operation. The exemplary users 104, 110, and/or 118 mayoperate the exemplary sensors in physical proximity to the sensors orremotely. The exemplary sensors may also operate autonomously withoutexemplary users 104, 110, and/or 118.

The exemplary sensors may be used to detect and/or record and/ortransmit images of a wide variety of objects, represented in FIG. 4 byexemplary objects, a sphere 120 and a cube 122. The sphere 120 and thecube 122 are representative of any objects or groups of object, imagesof which may be detectable and/or recordable and/or transmissible by theexemplary sensors, including but not limited to persons, animals,buildings, roads, automobiles, tracks, aircraft, ships, spacecraft,landscape and/or seascape features, vegetation, and/or celestialobjects. When used together in any given example herein, the exemplarysphere 120 and the exemplary cube 122 generally represent two distinctobjects which may or may not be of the same or of a similar type, exceptwhere otherwise required by the context, e.g., a sphere 120 and a cube122 used together in an example may represent a first particular objectand a second particular object, e.g., a particular person and aparticular building, or a particular first aircraft and a particularsecond aircraft, respectively. When used alone in any given exampleherein, the designated exemplary object, e.g., the sphere 120 or thecube 122, generally represents the same object, except where otherwiserequired by the context, e.g., a sphere 120 used alone in an examplegenerally represents a single object, e.g., a single building, and acube 122 used alone generally represents a single object, e.g., aparticular person.

Each of the exemplary sensors may detect and/or record and/or transmitimages of the exemplary objects in a variety of combinations andsequences. For instance, the digital video camera 102 may detect and/orrecord and/or transmit an image of the sphere 120 and then an image ofthe cube 122 sequentially, in either order; and/or, the digital videocamera 106 may detect and/or record and/or transmit a single image ofthe sphere 120 and the cube 122 together.

Similarly, the digital video camera 106 may detect and/or record and/ortransmit an image of the sphere 120 and of the cube 122 sequentially, ineither order, and/or of the sphere 120 and the cube 122 together,before, after, partially simultaneously with, or simultaneously with anoperation of the digital still camera 108. The digital still camera 108may detect and/or record and/or transmit an image of the sphere 120 andof the cube 122 sequentially, in either order, and/or of the sphere 120and the cube 122 together, before, after, partially simultaneously with,or simultaneously with an operation of the digital video camera 106.

Similarly, the sensor 114 and the sensor 116 of the sensor suite 112 maydetect and/or record and/or transmit an image of the sphere 120 and thenof the cube 122 sequentially, in either order, and/or of the sphere 120and the cube 122 together, before, after, partially simultaneously with,or simultaneously with respect to each other.

Such images may be recorded and/or transmitted via a computer orcomputers represented by the network 124 and/or directly to a processor126 and/or processing logic 128, which accept data representing imageryaspects of the exemplary objects. The processor 126 represents one ormore processors that may be, for example, one or more computers,including but not limited to one or more laptop computers, desktopcomputers, and/or other types of computers. The processing logic may besoftware and/or hardware and/or firmware associated with the processor126 and capable of accepting and/or processing data representing imageryaspects of the exemplary objects from the exemplary sensors. Suchprocessing may include but is not limited to comparing at least aportion of the data from one sensor with at least a portion of the datafrom the other sensor, and/or applying a mathematical algorithm to atleast a portion of the data from one sensor with at least a portion ofthe data from the other sensor. Such processing may also include, but isnot limited to, deriving third data from the combining at least aportion of the data from one sensor with at least a portion of the datafrom another sensor.

The exemplary sensors may be capable of detecting and/or recordingand/or transmitting one or more imagery aspects of the exemplaryobjects, the one or more imagery aspects being defined in part, but notexclusively, by exemplary parameters such as focal length, aperture(f-stop being one parameter for denoting aperture), t-stop, shutterspeed, sensor sensitivity (such as film sensitivity (e.g., film speed)and/or digital sensor sensitivity), exposure (which may be varied byvarying, e.g., shutter speed and/or aperture), frequency and/orwavelength, focus, depth of field, white balance (and/or white point,color temperature, and/or micro reciprocal degree or “mired”), and/orflash. Some or all of the parameters that may define at least in partimagery aspects may have further defining parameters. For example, afrequency and/or wavelength parameter may be associated with one or morebandwidth parameters; and a flash parameter may be associated with oneor more parameters for, e.g., duration, intensity, and/or specialdistribution. Note that although certain examples herein discussbracketing and/or imagery aspects and/or exemplary parameters in thecontext of more or less “still” images for sake of clarity, techniquesdescribed herein are also applicable to streams of images, such as wouldtypically be produced by digital video cameras 102/106 and thus the useof such, and other, exemplary terms herein are meant to encompass bothstill and video bracketing/aspects/parameters/etc. unless contextdictates otherwise. For instance, the bracketing might includebracketing over, say, 20 frames of video.

Each of the exemplary sensors may detect and/or record and/or transmitone or more imagery aspects of an exemplary object at more than onesetting of each of the available parameters, thereby bracketing theexemplary object. Generally, “bracketing” includes the imagery techniqueof making several images of the same object or objects using differentsettings, typically with a single imagery device such as digital videocamera 106. For example, the digital video camera 106 may detect and/orrecord and/or transmit a series of imagery aspects of the cube 122 at anumber of different f-stops; before, after, partially simultaneouslywith, and/or simultaneously with that series of imagery aspects, anotherdigital video camera 106 and/or another type of sensor, such as sensor114 may detect and/or record and/or transmit a series of imagery aspectsof the sphere 120 and of the cube 122 at a number of different whitebalances. The processor 126 and/or the processing logic 128 may thenaccept, via the network 124 or directly, data representing the imageryaspects detected and/or recorded and/or transmitted by the digital videocameras 106 or by the digital video camera 106 and the sensor 114. Theprocessor 126 and/or the processing logic 128 may then combine at leasta portion of the data from one of the sensors with at least a portion ofthe data from the other sensor, e.g., comparing the data from the twosensors. For example, deriving an identity of color and orientation fromthe bracketing imagery aspect data of two cubes 122 from digital videocamera 106 and sensor 114.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the explicitly describedexamples involving the exemplary sensors (the digital video camera 102,the digital video camera 106, the digital still camera 108, and thesensor suite 112 including sensor 114 and sensor 116), the exemplaryusers (users 104, 110, and 118), the exemplary objects (the sphere 120and the cube 122), the network 124, the exemplary processor 126, and theexemplary processing logic 128 constitute only a few of the variousaspects illustrated by FIG. 4.

FIGS. 5-8 are a series of flowcharts depicting exemplary implementationsof processes. For ease of understanding, the flowcharts are organizedsuch that the initial flowcharts present implementations via an overall“big picture” viewpoint and thereafter the following flowcharts presentalternate implementations and/or expansions of the “big picture”flowcharts as either sub-steps or additional steps building on one ormore earlier-presented flowcharts. Those having skill in the art willappreciate that the style of presentation utilized herein (e.g.,beginning with a presentation of a flowchart(s) presenting an overallview and thereafter providing additions to and/or further details insubsequent flowcharts) generally allows for a rapid and easyunderstanding of the various process implementations. In addition, thoseskilled in the art will further appreciate that the style ofpresentation used herein also lends itself well to modular and/orobject-oriented program design paradigms.

FIG. 5 depicts a high-level flowchart of an exemplary operationalprocess. Operation 201 shows accepting first data representing a firstimagery aspect of an object, wherein the first data includes firstbracketing data characterized by a first bracketing parameter, andsecond data representing a second imagery aspect of the object, whereinthe second data includes second bracketing data characterized by asecond bracketing parameter (e.g., accepting, via a processor 126 andhardware/software/firmware of processing logic 128, data representing animagery aspect of a sphere 120 including a set of bracketing imagestaken at different f-stops using a digital still camera 108 and datarepresenting an imagery aspect of the sphere 120 including a set ofbracketing images taken at different frequencies using digital videocamera 106).

Operation 202 depicts combining at least a portion of the first data andat least a portion of the second data (e.g., combining, via a processor126 and hardware/software/firmware of processing logic 128, the datarepresenting the imagery aspect of the sphere 120 and the datarepresenting the imagery aspect of the sphere 120).

Operation 204 depicts an optional process component that includesderiving third data from the combining at least a portion of the firstdata and at least a portion of the second data (e.g., deriving, via aprocessor 126 and hardware/software/firmware of processing logic 128,using character and pattern recognition algorithms, a probableidentification of a cube 122 as a specific cube of interest fromcombining data representing an imagery aspect of a cube 122 including aset of bracketing images taken at different white balances using adigital video camera 106 with data representing an imagery aspect of acube 122 including a set of bracketing images taken at different flashesusing digital still camera 108; or, e.g., deriving, via a processor 126and hardware/software/firmware of processing logic 128, using parallax,a distance of a sphere 120 by combining data representing an imageryaspect of the sphere 120 including a set of bracketing images taken atdifferent focuses using a sensor 114 of a sensor suite 112 and datarepresenting an imagery aspect of the sphere 120 including a set ofbracketing images taken at different focuses using a sensor 116 of asensor suite 112).

FIG. 6 shows several alternative implementations of the high-levelflowchart of FIG. 5. Previously described operation 201 may include oneor more of the following operations: 301, 302, 304, 306, 308, and/or309.

Operation 301 shows an aspect wherein the first bracketing parameterand/or the second bracketing parameter include an f-stop setting of asensor (e.g., accepting, via a processor 126 andhardware/software/firmware of processing logic 128, data representing animagery aspect of a sphere 120 including a set of bracketing imagestaken at different f-stops using a sensor 114 of a sensor suite 112 anddata representing an imagery aspect of a sphere 120 including a set ofbracketing images taken at different f-stops using a sensor 116 of thesensor suite 112).

Operation 302 depicts an aspect wherein the first bracketing parameterand/or the second bracketing parameter include an exposure setting of asensor (e.g., accepting, via a processor 126 andhardware/software/firmware of processing logic 128, data representing animagery aspect of a cube 122 including a set of bracketing images takenat different exposures using a digital video camera 106 and datarepresenting an imagery aspect of a cube 122 including a set ofbracketing images taken at different exposures using a still videocamera 108).

Operation 304 illustrates an aspect wherein the first bracketingparameter and/or the second bracketing parameter include a frequencyand/or a wavelength setting of a sensor (e.g., accepting, via aprocessor 126 and hardware/software/firmware of processing logic 128,data representing an imagery aspect of a sphere 120 including a set ofbracketing images taken at different wavelengths using a digital videocamera 102 and data representing an imagery aspect of a sphere 120including a set of bracketing images taken at different wavelengthsusing a digital video camera 102).

Operation 306 shows an aspect wherein the first bracketing parameterand/or the second bracketing parameter include a focus setting of asensor (e.g., accepting, via a processor 126 andhardware/software/firmware of processing logic 128, data representing animagery aspect of a cube 122 including a set of bracketing images takenat different focuses of a sensor 114 of a sensor suite 112 and datarepresenting an imagery aspect of a cube 122 including a set ofbracketing images taken at different focuses of a sensor 116 of a sensorsuite 112).

Operation 308 illustrates an aspect wherein the first bracketingparameter and/or the second bracketing parameter include a white balancesetting of a sensor (e.g., accepting, via a processor 126 andhardware/software/firmware of processing logic 128, data representing animagery aspect of a sphere 120 including a set of bracketing imagestaken at different white balances using a digital video camera 102 anddata representing an imagery aspect of a sphere 120 including a set ofbracketing images taken at different white balances using the digitalvideo camera 102).

Operation 309 depicts an aspect wherein the first bracketing parameterand/or the second bracketing parameter include a flash setting of asensor (e.g., accepting, via a processor 126 andhardware/software/firmware of processing logic 128, data representing animagery aspect of a cube 122 including a set of bracketing images takenat different flashes using a digital video camera 106 and datarepresenting an imagery aspect of a cube 122 including a set ofbracketing images taken at different flashes using a digital stillcamera 108).

FIG. 7 shows several other alternative implementations of the high-levelflowchart of FIG. 5. Previously described operation 202 may include oneor more of the following operations: 400 and/or 402.

Operation 400 shows an aspect comparing at least a portion of the firstdata with at least a portion of the second data (e.g., comparing, via aprocessor 126 and hardware/software/firmware of processing logic 128,data representing an imagery aspect of a cube 122 including a set ofbracketing images taken at different f-stops using a digital videocamera 106 with data representing an imagery aspect of a cube 122including a set of bracketing images taken at different exposures usingdigital still camera 108, as when, e.g., a comparison of apparentspatial orientation or orientations of the cube 122 in f-stop bracketingimages to apparent spatial orientation or orientations of the cube 122in exposure bracketing images may be useful in estimating a singlespatial orientation characterization for the cube 122).

Operation 402 depicts an aspect applying a mathematical algorithm to atleast a portion of the first data and at least a portion of the seconddata (e.g., applying an algorithm, via a processor 126 andhardware/software/firmware of processing logic 128, for edge detection,such as a “Laplacian-of-Gaussians” (“LoG”) filter and/or a PLUS filter,and/or for registration accomplished by applying known techniques todata representing an imagery aspect of a cube 122 including a set ofbracketing images taken at different white balances using a sensor 116of a sensor suite 112 and to data representing an imagery aspect of acube 122 including a set of bracketing images taken at different flashesusing digital still camera 108).

As further depicted in FIG. 7, previously described operation 204 mayinclude one or more of the following operations: 404, 406, 408 and/or410.

Operation 404 shows deriving third data representing an objectidentification of the object (e.g., deriving, via a processor 126 andhardware/software/firmware of processing logic 128, from combining aresult of a noise reduction algorithm applied to data representing animagery aspect of a sphere 120 including a set of bracketing imagestaken at different f-stops using a sensor 114 of sensor suite 112 and aresult of a comparable noise reduction algorithm applied to datarepresenting an imagery aspect of a sphere 120 including a set ofbracketing images taken at different exposures using a sensor 116 ofsensor suite 112, an identification of the sphere 120 as a specificsphere 120 of interest, as when, e.g., the noise reduction algorithm oralgorithms yield resulting images of unique surface features of thesphere 120, permitting identification of the sphere 120 with respect toa reference image or description of the sphere 120 with acharacterizable degree of confidence).

Operation 406 depicts deriving third data representing an objectdesignation of the object (e.g., deriving, via a processor 126 andhardware/software/firmware of processing logic 128, from combining datarepresenting an imagery aspect of a cube 122 including a set ofbracketing images taken at different white balances using a digitalvideo camera 102 and data representing an imagery aspect of a cube 122including a set of bracketing images taken at different exposures usinga digital video camera 102 and then applying a character-recognitionalgorithm to the combination, a designation of the cube 122 with adistinguishing label for reference, as when, e.g., thecharacter-recognition algorithm or algorithms recognize a serial numberpainted on the cube 122, allowing designation of the cube 122 with aunique distinguishing label with a characterizable degree ofconfidence).

Operation 408 illustrates deriving third data representing a spatialposition of the object (e.g., deriving, via a processor 126 andhardware/software/firmware of processing logic 128, from combining aresult of applying a range-determination algorithm to data representingan imagery aspect of a sphere 120 including a set of bracketing imagestaken at different focuses using a sensor 114 of sensor suite 112 (wherethe spatial position and orientation of the sensor 114 are known or canbe derived) and a result of applying a range-determination algorithm todata representing an imagery aspect of a sphere 120 including a set ofbracketing images taken at different frequencies using a sensor 116 ofsensor suite 112, a distance of the sphere 120 from the sensor suite 112(where the spatial position and orientation of the sensor 116 are knownor can be derived)).

Operation 410 shows (deriving third data representing an edge and/or aboundary and/or an outline of the object (e.g., deriving, via aprocessor 126 and hardware/software/firmware of processing logic 128,from combining a result of applying an edge detection algorithm, such asa “Laplacian-of-Gaussians” (“LoG”) filter and/or a PLUS filter, to datarepresenting an imagery aspect of a cube 122 including a set ofbracketing images taken at different f-stops using a digital videocamera 102 and a result of applying a comparable edge detectionalgorithm to data representing an imagery aspect of a cube 122 includinga set of bracketing images taken at different focuses using a digitalvideo camera 102, an edge of the cube 122 at which the image of the cube122 and one or more background items and/or one or more foreground itemsare contiguous).

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary operational flow 1100 in whichembodiments may be implemented. After a start operation, the exemplaryoperational flow moves to a hold operation 1110. The hold operationsaves a digital image in a form in a user-accessible storage medium. Achange operation 1120 alters the form of the saved digital image if acondition is met. The operational flow may then proceed directly orindirectly to an end operation. As shown in FIG. 8, the change operation1120 may include one or more additional exemplary operations such asoperations 1122, 1124, 1126, 1128, 1132, 1134, 1136, 1138, 142, 1144,1146 and/or operation 1148.

As further depicted in FIG. 8, if a condition is met, the operation 1122compresses the saved digital image. If a condition is met, the operation1124 reduces a resolution of the saved digital image. If a condition ismet, the operation 1126 reduces a resolution of the saved digital imagesufficiently to meet a selected objective. For example, the selectedobjective may include a preselected objective or a substantiallycontemporaneously selected objective. By way of another example, aselected objective may include constructing a panorama that includes thedigital image, creating a high dynamic range composite that includes thedigital image, and/or a selected depth of field. If a condition is met,the operation 1128 aggregates the saved digital image with anotherdigital image.

As additionally illustrated in FIG. 8, if a condition is met, theoperation 1132 archives the saved digital image to anotheruser-accessible storage medium. If a condition is met, the operation1134 deletes the saved digital image. If a condition is met, theoperation 1136 crops the saved digital image. If a condition is met, theoperation 1138 transfers the saved digital image to anotheruser-accessible storage medium.

As depicted in other illustrated examples, if a condition is met, theoperation 1142 alters the form of the saved digital image if the saveddigital image includes a presence of a selected subject. If a conditionis met, the operation 1144 alters the form of the saved digital image ifthe saved digital image does not include a presence of a selectedsubject. If a condition is met, the operation 1146 alters the form ofthe saved digital image if the saved digital image includes a presenceof a selected subject having a presence in at least one other digitalimage saved in the user-accessible storage medium. For example, apresence of a selected subject may include a selected frequency of apresence of a selected subject. If a condition is met, the operation1148 alters the form of the saved digital image if the saved digitalimage includes a selected subject absent from at least one other digitalimage saved in the user-accessible storage medium.

The schematic block diagram of FIG. 9 illustrates various features ofexemplary embodiments including separate storage location 1335, originalsource capture device 1340, intermediate source capture device 1345, andcapture & access device 1350. A system implementation may includevarious combinations of features shown in FIG. 9. For example, originalsource capture device 1340 associated with user 1341 may have capabilityfor transferring selected captured data via communication link 1342 toseparate storage location 1335. A wireless communication link 1343 mayalso be used for such transfer to separate storage location 1335.

The intermediate source capture device 1345 associated with user 1346 isshown receiving data inputs 1347, 1348 and may have capability fortransferring selected captured data via communication link 1349 toseparate storage location 1335. The hybrid capture/access device 1350associated with one or more users 1351 may have capability for bothtransferring selected captured data to separate storage location 1335 aswell as accessing saved versions of the selected captured data availableat the separate storage location (see bidirectional communication link1352).

In some instances a designated device may be approved for implementing atransfer and/or access to the separate storage location 1335. In otherinstances an authorized party (e.g., user associated with the capturedevice or with access device, authorized third party, etc.) may beauthorized for implementing a transfer and/or access from many types ofdesignated devices to the separate storage location 1335.

The schematic diagram of FIG. 9 shows exemplary system embodimentcomponents that may include access device 1355, approved access device1360, approved automated access device 1365, and approved access device1370.

Possible aspects may include an authorized party 1356 associated withaccess device 1355 having a communication link 1357 via cable toseparate storage location 1335. Another possible aspect may include athird party 1361 associated with approved access device 1360 having acommunication link 1362 via dial-up line to separate storage location1335. A further possible aspect may include the approved automatedaccess device 1365 having a wireless communication link 1366 to separatestorage location 1335.

Another possible aspect may include multiple entities such as authorizedparty 1371, authorized party 1372, and third party 1373 associated withapproved access device 1370 having a communication link 1374 (e.g.,radio signal, television signal, etc.) via satellite 1375 to separatestorage location 1335.

Referring to the schematic block diagram of FIG. 10, various exemplaryembodiment features related to separate storage location 1380 mayinclude a separate storage interface 1382 that has possiblecommunication links with capture device 1384, capture & access device1385, access device 1386, authorized party 1387 and third party 1388. Insome implementations a data recipient 1389 may be connected via adistribution link to the separate storage interface 1382.

An exemplary data storage module 1390 may include one or more saved dataversions 1392, non-altered data components 1393, modified datacomponents 1394, transformed data 1396, and regenerated data 1397. Anillustrated possible feature may include centralized storage media 1400,and in some instances active data storage files 1402 and archived datastorage files 1404. Further aspects in some implementations may includedistributed storage media 1406 and removable storage media 1408.

Processing of data may be accomplished by an exemplary computerizedstorage system 1410 incorporated as an integral part of the separatestorage location 1380 or remotely linked to the separate storagelocation 1380. The computerized storage system 1410 may includeprocessor 1412, controller 1414, one or more applications 1416, andmemory 1418.

Additional types of storage-related modules may include identifierrecords 1420, storage protocol 1422, storage organization categories1424, storage management algorithm 1426, and storage management tasks1428.

Referring to the schematic block diagram of FIG. 11, exemplaryembodiment features incorporated in a capture device 1430 include userinterface 1432 for authorized users 1434, 1436 as well as for authorizedparty 1438. In some instances such user interface 1432 may also beavailable to an owner or operator of a separate storage location 1440that is linked (see 1446) to the capture device 1430.

Other communication links to the capture device 1430 may include aninput channel for original captured data 1442, and another input channelfor transmitted captured data 1444.

It will be understood that various functional aspects may beincorporated with the capture device and/or with the separate storagelocation. Accordingly the illustrated embodiment features of FIG. 11 mayinclude previously described identifier records 1420, storage protocol1422, storage organization categories 1424, storage management algorithm1426, and storage management tasks 1428.

Of course it will be understood that the various exemplary type ofrecords and data files are disclosed herein for purposes of illustrationonly and are not intended to be limiting. Some of the specified fileparameters and records may not be included in certain implementations,and additional types of file parameters and records may be desirableadditions in other implementations.

A computer apparatus 1450 incorporated in the capture device 1430, or insome instances remotely linked to the capture device 1430, may includeprocessor 1452, controller 1454, one or more applications 1456, andmemory 1458. Additional aspects operably coupled with the capture device1430 may include integrated storage media 1460, temporary storage 1466,distributed storage media 1462, and removable storage media 1464.

Further types of data storage files may include actual captured data1467, modified captured data 1468, one or more data exemplars 1472, oneor more data samples 1474, and in some instances various transformeddata excerpts 1476. Depending on the circumstances additional aspectsmay include data selection rules 1478, and a data selection program 1479to process the captured data and facilitate a determination of whichcaptured data will be immediately or ultimately transferred to theseparate storage location. It will be understood that various recordsmay be maintained at the transmitting device and/or at a destinationstorage facility to identify which individual or groups of captured datahave been transferred, and in some instances providing addition detailsregarding the nature (e.g., resolution, future access limitations, etc.)of the selected captured data that has been transferred.

It will be further understood that aspects of such data selection rules1478 or data selection program 1479 may be incorporated at thedestination storage facility or at the transmitting device in order toachieve efficient and desirable transfer results. Some embodiments mayprovide somewhat sophisticated rules, including an ability to detectredundancies and carry out selection policies and goals. For example, astorage algorithm regarding soccer match data may seek to transfer atleast one high resolution shot of each goal attempted or made, as wellas limiting transferred spectator images to not more than ten per matchand limiting transferred action player images to not more than fifty permatch. Similarly a policy guideline may provide predetermined limitsregarding transferred audiovisual data for each soccer match. Of course,availability of local storage capacity associated with the transmittingdevice may result in temporary (or perhaps long term) retention policiesregarding certain types of captured data (current topical interest,additional time for pre-transfer review, etc.).

As disclosed herein, some exemplary system embodiments and computerprogram implementations may provide one or more program applicationsthat include encoded process instructions for implementing a storagemanagement algorithm that allows accessibility by a particular device toselected captured data having a quality parameter that is within anoperational capability range of the particular device. Another possibleimplementation may provide one or more program applications that includeencoded process instructions for implementing a storage managementalgorithm that retains for future accessibility the selected captureddata having a quality parameter that exceeds an operational capabilityof a transmitting device.

Additional exemplary system embodiments and computer programimplementations may provide one or more program applications thatinclude encoded process instructions for implementing a storagemanagement algorithm that facilitates accessibility to the differentstorage organization categories based on one or more of the followingparameters: creator, participant, originator, source, owner,proprietary, public domain, goal, subject matter, event, establishedpolicy, selected policy, custom policy, redundancy, variety, resolution,reproduction, replication, captured quality, device quality, capturedfidelity, device fidelity, commercial value, personal value, expectedfuture use, recipient, required access frequency, expected accessfrequency, potential distribution, taxonomy, common theme, tag,classification, device capability, device attribute, device parameter,storage capability, storage attribute, storage parameter, devicesetting, user task, device context, user context, device history, anduser history.

Other exemplary system embodiments may provide data storage files thatinclude a saved version of selected captured data received from one ormore of the following type of transmitting devices: still camera, audiorecorder, digital audio recorder, audio-visual recorder, video recorder,digital video recorder, video camera, video/still camera, data recorder,telephone, cell phone, transceiver, PDA, computer, server, printer, fax,multi-function device, scanner, copier, surveillance camera, datasensor, mote, distributed imaging element, ingested sensor, medicalsensor, medical imaging, health-monitoring device, traffic managementdevice, media library, media player, vehicle sensor, vehicular device,environmental sensor, implanted device, mobile unit, fixed unit,integral, applied device, worn device, remote, radio, communicationunit, scheduler, private, public, shared, residential, business, andoffice.

Additional possible system features may provide one or more transmittingdevices for transferring the selected captured data via a communicationlink to the data storage files at a separate storage facility. Furtherpossible system aspects may include one or more transmitting devicesconfigured to implement transferring of the selected captured data basedon one or more of the following criteria: rule, user input, user state,configuration, commercial, personal, context, space, device memory,device capability, bandwidth, separate storage memory, separate storagecapability, separate storage accessibility, cost, task, preference,storage protocol, security, privacy, affiliation, and membership.

In some instances an exemplary implementation may include one or moretransmitting devices that are owned or controlled by an entity that isan owner or operator of the separate storage facility.

Further exemplary system embodiments may provide one or moretransmitting devices that include a portable transmitting device havingone or more of the following storage capabilities: dedicated wirelesslink to remote storage, non-dedicated wireless link to remote storage,wireless link to multiple remote storage units, volatile memory,permanent memory, rewritable memory, internal memory, removable memory,backup memory, distributed memory, flash memory, and memory card.

Additional process components incorporated in a computer program productmay include retaining at a separate storage facility for futureavailability some selected captured data having a given qualitycharacteristic, which selected captured data is received via acommunication link with a capturing device. A related incorporatedprocess component may include retaining for future availability one ormore of the following types of selected captured data: real-time,time-delayed, original, copied, scanned, faxed, sensed, detected,derived, computed, modified, composite, enhanced, reduced, filtered,edited, condensed, compressed, compiled, retransmitted, forwarded,stored, cached, prefetched, processed, raw, live, batched, and uploaded.

Other process components incorporated in a computer program product mayinclude enabling future accessibility by an authorized user or approveddevice or recipient party to the selected captured data pursuant to thestorage protocol. A related incorporated process component may includeproviding one or more of the following parameters associated with orincorporated in an identity record to facilitate the futureaccessibility: exemplar, abbreviation, indicia, symbol, code, name,title, icon, date, excerpt, characteristic, form, alternate format,listing, reorganization, aggregation, summary, reduction,representation, sample, thumbnail, image, preview, group specimen,sub-group element, unique, non-unique, arbitrary, global, semantic,public, private, and encoded.

A further process component incorporated in a computer program productmay include providing an identifier record that is operably coupled toone or more of the different organization categories. In someimplementations an incorporated process feature related to theidentifier record may include providing the identifier record at theseparate storage facility. Another possible incorporated process featurerelated to the identifier record may include providing the identifierrecord at the capturing device or other approved device.

Referring to the high level flow chart of FIG. 12, an exemplary processembodiment 1500 for managing data storage may include receiving data ata separate storage facility via a communication link from one or moretransmitting devices, which data includes selected captured data (block1501); maintaining some or all of the selected captured data at theseparate storage facility as a saved version that is stored inaccordance with a safekeeping arrangement (block 1502); and confirming astorage access protocol wherein an identifier record provides aspecified identification of an applicable storage organization category(block 1503). A further possible process feature may include enablingrestricted future access to the saved version of the selected captureddata in accordance with the safekeeping arrangement by providing anoperable coupling between the identifier record and the applicablestorage organization category of the separate storage facility (block1504).

Additional exemplary process embodiments 1505 are shown in FIG. 13 whichillustrates previously described components 1501, 1502, 1503, 1504 alongwith other possible features such as establishing an identifier recordgenerated by a transmitting device (block 1506), and establishing anidentifier record generated by the separate storage facility (block1507). A further possible aspect related to restricted future access tothe saved version of selected captured data may include providing suchfuture access via a communication channel with a transmitting device orother approved device (block 1508).

It will be understood that some implementations may provide anauthentication relationship between a collection of identifier recordsand an approved device (e.g., capture device, transmitting device,personal mobile device, etc.). Data security may then be accomplished byproviding limited logon rights, lockout schemes, or other restricteddevice usage techniques. The pertinent identifier record(s) can beactivated pursuant to specified device interaction with the separatestorage facility.

Some implementations may include providing the future access via acommunication channel with an authorized user associated with atransmitting device or other device (block 1509). Another possiblefeature may include providing the future access via a communicationchannel with an authorized third party (block 1511).

It will be understood that some embodiments may provide anauthentication relationship between a collection of identifier recordsand an authorized user or authorized third party. This results in futureaccess to the separate storage facility becoming potentially moreglobal. For example, such an authorized user or authorized third partywho moves to any appropriate convenient device can generate or acquirethe pertinent identifier record(s) necessary for activating a managementtask (e.g., retrieval, reorganization, status change, distributionauthorization, etc.). In other words, such an appropriate convenientdevice temporarily becomes an “approved device” so long as its userqualifies as an “authorized user” or authorized third party.

Additional possible aspects illustrated in FIG. 13 include activatingthe future access in response to a recognizable query from atransmitting device or other approved device (block 1512). A furtherpossible aspect includes activating the future access in response to arecognizable query from an authorized user associated with atransmitting device or from an authorized user associated with anapproved device (block 1513). Yet another possible feature may includeactivating the future access in response to a recognizable query from anauthorized third party (block 1514).

The exemplary embodiments 1515 shown in FIG. 14 show previouslydisclosed process components 1501, 1502, 1503 along with variouspossible fee arrangements. For example, some implementations may includeproviding restricted availability to the selected captured data based ona fee schedule (block 1516), and in some instances providing the feeschedule that includes a fee allocation paid to an entity responsiblefor the separate storage facility (block 1517). Another possible aspectmay include providing the fee schedule that includes a fee allocationpaid by an authorized user (block 1518).

Additional process components may include receiving selected captureddata having a given quality characteristic (block 1519), maintainingsome or all of the selected captured data without a significant loss ofthe given quality characteristic (block 1521), and receiving selectedcaptured data having a modified quality characteristic that was changedfrom a previous given quality characteristic (block 1522).

Further illustrated exemplary features in FIG. 14 include maintainingthe selected captured data at the separate storage facility inaccordance with a quality downgrade schedule (block 1526), andmaintaining the captured data at the separate storage facility in aformat that enables automatic retrieval of the saved version pursuant tothe storage access protocol (block 1527).

Other possible aspects may include maintaining the captured data at theseparate storage facility in a format that enables distribution of thesaved version to one or more third party recipients pursuant to thestorage access protocol (block 1528), and providing restrictedavailability to the selected captured data based on a fee schedule thatincludes a fee allocation paid by a third party recipient (block 1529).

The detailed flow chart of FIG. 15 illustrates various exemplaryembodiment features 1530 including previously described components 1502,1503, 1504 along with various possible aspects relating to the savedversion of the selected captured data. For example, some embodiments mayinclude implementing a storage format for the saved version of theselected captured data based on substantially non-altered datacomponents (block 1531). Other embodiments may include implementing astorage format for the saved version of the selected captured data basedon regenerated or transformed data components (block 1532).

Additional process components may include providing an exemplar orabbreviation or indicia that is recognized by an authorized party andthat is operably coupled to the identifier record to facilitate astorage management task concerning the saved version of the selectedcaptured data (block 1533). A related aspect may include processing astorage management task initiated by one or more of the following: ownerof separate storage facility, operator of separate storage facility,transmitting device user, transmitting device, authorized party,approved device, and recipient party (block 1534). Further relatedaspects may include providing one or more of the following type ofexemplar or abbreviation or indicia: symbol, code, name, title, icon,date, excerpt, characteristic, form, alternate format, listing,reorganization, aggregation, summary, reduction, representation, sample,thumbnail, image, preview, group specimen, sub-group element, unique,non-unique, arbitrary, global, semantic, public, private, and encoded(block 1536).

Other possible aspects illustrated in FIG. 15 include processing theselected captured data to accomplish an allocation of the selectedcaptured data among one or more storage organization categories, whichallocation is determined by the authorized user associated with atransmitting device (block 1537) or by an entity responsible for theseparate storage facility (block 1538).

Referring to the exemplary embodiment features 1540 shown FIG. 16,previously described process features 1501, 1502, 1503, 1504 may in someinstances also include receiving the selected captured data at one ormore of the following types of storage facilities: backup, archive,removable, rewritable, permanent, server, base station, network storage,web site, central, integrated, distributed, dispersed, fragmented,non-altered, transformed, encoded, bitmap, compression, volatile,replicated, third party, storefront, mobile, vehicle, residence, office,shared, proprietary, and rights-managed (block 1541).

Additional possible aspects may include implementing one or more of thefollowing types of storage organization guidelines to facilitate futureaccess by an authorized party or approved device or recipient party:original high resolution, permanent high resolution, temporary highresolution, lower resolution, temporary lower resolution, permanentlower resolution, deleted high resolution, deleted lower resolution,deleted content, included content, excluded content, subject matter,event, author, creator, participant, redundancy, repetition, quality,size, resolution, fidelity, tagged, preview, sample, group, sub-group,composite group, individual, personage, entity, item, content,composition, summary, augmentation, attribute, content category,frequency, and inventory (block 1542).

Another exemplary feature may include providing the different storageorganization categories based at least in part on one or more of thefollowing type of parameters: temporal, available device memory,available storage location memory, user selected, device limitation,storage location requirement, and recipient choice (block 1543).

The exemplary detailed embodiments 1545 shown in FIG. 17 includepreviously described process features 1501, 1502, 1503 along with otherpossible aspects. For example, some implementations may provide one ormore of the following types of identifier records to facilitate accessto the saved version of the selected captured data: exemplar,abbreviation, indicia, symbol, code, name, title, icon, date, excerpt,characteristic, form, alternate format, listing, reorganization,aggregation, summary, reduction, representation, sample, thumbnail,image, preview, group specimen, sub-group element, unique, non-unique,arbitrary, global, semantic, public, private, and encoded (block 1546).

Another possible aspect relating to an identifier record may includeenabling an authorized party or approved device or recipient party tolocate the saved version and/or execute a storage management taskconcerning the saved version of the selected captured data by referenceto the identifier record (block 1547). It will be understood that insome embodiments the identifier record is operably coupled with arecognizable element that an authorized user can “look at” or authorizeddevice can detect (e.g., identify) in order to locate selected captureddata and/or execute a storage management task. However in otherembodiments such a recognizable element (e.g., representative sample,thumbnail, exemplar, topical pointer, etc.) may directly function as theidentifier record that is operably coupled to the separate storagefacility.

Further possible features may include receiving one or more of thefollowing types of selected captured data at the separate storagelocation: text, image, graphics, voice, music, sound, audio, video,audio/visual, monochrome, color, data log, measurement, instruction,biomedical, financial, sensor, environmental, personal, public,transactional, shopping, commercial, security, automotive,device-diagnostic, game, and virtual world (block 1551).

FIG. 17 also illustrates other possible aspects including receiving oneor more of the following types of selected captured data at the separatestorage location: still image, image stream, and combination of stillimage and image stream (block 1552). Yet another possible aspect mayinclude receiving some or all of the selected captured data to be savedat the separate storage location based at least in part on a set ofrules configured by an authorized user associated with the transmittingdevice (block 1553).

The exemplary embodiment 1555 shown in FIG. 18 illustrates a computerprogram product having one or more computer programs for executing aprocess (block 1556). Such a process may include retaining at a separatestorage facility for future availability some selected captured datahaving a given quality characteristic, which selected captured data isreceived via a communication link with a capturing device (block 1557);and implementing a storage protocol for keeping a saved version of theselected captured data at the separate storage facility, which storageprotocol includes different organization categories (block 1558).

Further possible programmed process components may include providing anidentifier record that is operably coupled to one or more of thedifferent organization categories (block 1559), and enabling futureaccessibility by an authorized user or approved device or recipientparty to the selected captured data pursuant to the storage protocol(block 1561).

Referring to the schematic block diagram of FIG. 19, one or moreexemplary capture devices 1565 may provide data storage files 1570 thatstore captured data in both long term memory 1571 and temporary memory1572. An exemplary data management technique may include representativethumbnails 1573 and other exemplars 1574 that serve as an identifierlink (e.g., directly and/or through an identifier record) to differentcategories of captured data. Visual access to the captured data as wellas to the thumbnails 1573 and exemplars 1574 may be provided to a deviceuser in various ways such as by viewer 1576.

As disclosed herein, a particular process for choosing selected captureddata to be transferred to a separate storage facility 1567 may beaccomplished by a program control module 1575 and/or by manual control1577. Various types of transferability communication channels 1569 maybe used that incorporate short and long distance communication mediaconnections (e.g., Internet, wireless, cable, LAN, WAN, etc.) in orderto provide periodic back and forth transfers between an approvedexternal unit such as capture device 1565 and one or more separatestorage facilities such as 1567.

In some exemplary implementations, various storage management functionsmay be performed at the separate storage facility 1567 under control ofan owner/operator 1568 or in some instances under remote control by anapproved device or authorized user 1566. Accordingly the illustratedseparate storage facility embodiment 1567 includes data storage files1580 with long term memory 1581 and temporary memory 1582 that storeinventory data versions of the selected captured data received from atransmitting capture device 1565.

An exemplary data management technique at the separate storage facility1567 may include representative thumbnails 1583 and other exemplars 1584that serve as an identifier link (e.g., directly and/or through anidentifier record) to different categories of stored inventory dataversions (e.g., replicated, enhanced quality, downgraded quality,transformed, regenerated, etc.). Visual access to the inventory dataversions as well as to thumbnails 1583 and exemplars 1584 may beprovided in various ways such as by monitor 1586. Transferabilitymanagement is shown to be subject to instructions from program controlmodule 1585 as well as by manual control 1587.

It will be understood that a particular separate data storage facilitymay have numerous authorized users and designated devices providingselected captured data under different safekeeping arrangements andrelated fee schedules. These same authorized users and designateddevices as well as other patrons may be subject to additionalaccessibility guidelines and related fee schedules. Accordingly theillustrated examples are not intended to be limiting, and it isunderstood that changes may be made to accommodate the needs and desiresof all different types of users and patrons.

The high level flow chart of FIG. 20 illustrates an exemplary processembodiment 1650 for a data storage protocol technique that includesproviding a separate storage facility that receives selected captureddata via a communication link from at least one transmitting capturedevice, which capture device includes local memory capacity (block1651); maintaining some or all of the selected captured data at theseparate storage facility as an inventory data version that is stored inaccordance with a safekeeping arrangement (block 1652); and providingdifferent status categories to identify the inventory data version ofthe selected captured data (block 1653). Additional possible processfeatures may include establishing future accessibility guidelines inaccordance with the safekeeping arrangement to control back and forthdata transferability between the separate storage facility and anexternal unit (block 1654), and implementing the future accessibilityguidelines based on an applicable attribute associated with the externalunit (block 1655).

Additional exemplary embodiment features 1660 are disclosed in FIG. 21including previously described process components 1652, 1653, 1654, 1655in combination with providing an external unit that also functions as atransmitting capture device (block 1661). Other possible aspect mayinclude establishing programmed guidelines that require no userintervention for transferring certain selected captured data from the atleast one transmitting capture device to the separate storage facility(block 1662), and establishing programmed guidelines that require nouser intervention for transferring certain selected inventory dataversions from the separate storage facility to an approved external unit(block 1663).

Further possible implementations may include establishing flexibleguidelines that allow user intervention for determining whether totransfer certain selected captured data from the at least onetransmitting capture device to the separate storage facility (block1666), establishing flexible guidelines that allow user intervention fordetermining whether to transfer certain selected inventory data versionsfrom the separate storage facility to an external unit (block 1667), andestablishing flexible guidelines that allow user intervention fordetermining whether to redirect certain selected inventory data versionsfrom the separate storage facility to an authorized recipient party(block 1668).

The more detailed flow chart of FIG. 22 discloses various exemplaryembodiment components 1670 including previously described processfeatures 1652, 1653, 1654, 1655 in combination with other possiblefeatures including transferring an inventory data version of theselected captured data from the separate storage facility to an externalunit based on unused local memory capacity of the external unit (block1671), transferring selected captured data from the external unit to theseparate storage facility based on insufficient local memory capacity ofthe external unit (block 1672).

Other exemplary implementation features may include transferring aninventory data version having a particular quality characteristic fromthe separate storage facility to an external unit based on a matchingoperational quality capability of the external unit (block 1673), andtransferring selected captured data having a particular qualitycharacteristic from an external unit to the separate storage facilitybased on a deficient operational quality capability of the external unit(block 1674).

Additional aspects may include transferring an inventory data versionfrom the separate storage facility to an external unit based on anidentity confirmation of an authorized user at the approved externalunit (block 1676), transferring selected captured data from an externalunit to the separate storage facility based on a failure to obtainconfirmation of an authorized user at the external unit (block 1677).

The illustrative features 1680 shown in FIG. 23 include previouslydiscussed process components 1652, 1653, 1654, 1655 along with otherpossible data transfer options. For example, some implementations mayinclude preventing transfer of an inventory data version from theseparate storage facility to an external unit based on a failure toobtain confirmation of an authorized user at the external unit (block1681), transferring selected captured data from an external unit to theseparate storage facility based on confirmation of the external unit'slocation in a restricted area (block 1682).

Further exemplary features may include preventing transfer of aninventory data version from the separate storage facility to an externalunit based on confirmation of the external unit's location in arestricted area (block 1683), establishing a guideline for redirectingcertain inventory data versions to an authorized recipient party (block1684), and establishing a guideline for redirecting certain inventorydata versions to an approved device (block 1686).

FIG. 23 also discloses other possible aspects including providingtopical and sub-topical categories for grouping inventory data versions(block 1687), and incorporating certain inventory data versions in morethan one status category (block 1688).

Referring to the detailed exemplary embodiments 1690 shown in FIG. 24,the previous discussed process components 1652, 1653, 1654, 1655 mayfurther include providing different quality characteristic categoriesfor grouping inventory data versions (block 1691). Other possibleprocess components may include changing a status category of inventorydata versions based on a lack of usage over a period of time (block1692), and changing a status category of inventory data versions basedon instructions from an authorized user (block 1693).

Another possible aspect may include providing an identifier recordoperably coupled to one or more status categories of inventory dataversions (block 1695). A further related aspect may include enablingaccess to the identifier record by an authorized user or approved deviceor recipient party to accomplish a storage management task regarding theselected captured data (block 1696). Other possible implementationfeatures may include enabling a storage management task initiated froman external unit to cause selected captured data to be off-loaded to theseparate storage facility, or to cause inventory data versions to bedown-loaded to an external unit, or to cause certain inventory dataversions to be redirected to an authorized recipient party (block 1697).

FIG. 24 also shows an exemplary aspect that includes enabling access tothe identifier record by an owner or operator of the separate storagefacility to accomplish a storage management task regarding the selectedcaptured data (block 1698). Further possible aspects may includeenabling a storage management task initiated from the separate storagefacility to cause selected captured data to be off-loaded to theseparate storage facility, or to cause inventory data versions to bedown-loaded to an external unit, or to cause certain inventory dataversions to be redirected to an authorized recipient party (block 1699).

The detailed exemplary embodiment features 1700 shown in FIG. 25 includepreviously discussed process components 1651, 1652, 1653, 1654 alongwith another aspect that may include changing a status category ofinventory data versions based on a relinquishment or waiver by anauthorized user associated with the at least one transmitting capturedevice (block 1701). Further possible implementation features mayinclude providing restricted availability to the inventory data versionsbased on a fee schedule (block 1702), and providing the fee schedulethat includes a fee allocation paid to an entity responsible for theseparate storage facility (block 1703).

FIG. 25 also shows additional exemplary aspects including receivingselected captured data having a given quality characteristic (block1706), maintaining some or all of the selected captured data without asignificant loss of the given quality characteristic (block 1707), andreceiving selected captured data having a modified qualitycharacteristic that was changed from a previous given qualitycharacteristic (block 1708).

The various exemplary embodiment features 1710 of FIG. 26 may includepreviously discussed process components 1651, 1652, 1653, 1654, 1655 aswell as maintaining the selected captured data at the separate storagefacility in accordance with a quality downgrade schedule (block 1711). Afurther possible aspect may include enabling a programmed selection ofthe captured data to be saved on storage media at the separate storagelocation based at least in part on making the captured data availablefor processing prior to a transfer from the at least one transmittingcapture device (block 1716).

Further possible implementation features may include making a selectionof the captured data to be saved on storage media at the storagelocation based at least in part on a set of rules configured by an owneror operator of the separate storage location (block 1717). Otherpossible features may include employing one or more of the followingfeatures for making the captured data available to an authorized partyprior to the transferring: printout, screen display, viewfinder display,display monitor, thumbnail display, removable memory, device memory,audio, tactile, alert, notification, transmittal to other device, andinstructional (block 1718).

Referring to FIG. 27, an exemplary computer program product embodiment1720 provides a computer program product having one or more computerprograms for executing a process (block 1721). An exemplary process mayinclude receiving selected captured data at a separate storage facilityvia a communication link from a transmitting capture device (block1722), providing status categories to identify an inventory data versionof the selected captured data (block 1723), implementing a safekeepingarrangement for restricted back and forth transferability between theseparate storage facility and an approved external unit (block 1724),and evaluating one or more applicable attributes associated with theexternal unit as a basis for downloading a particular inventory dataversion of the selected captured data to the approved external unit(block 1726).

Examples of back and forth transferability may involve replacing athumbnail representation on a capture/access device with high resolutionquality photographs retrieved from the separate storage facility.Another example may involve replacing an entire collection of recentphotographs held in local memory of a user's capture/access device thatare organized by a “date categorization” scheme with topical thumbnailsorganized by topics that are pertinent to a currently active project. Aspart of the replacement, the remaining non-topical recent photos may betransferred to the remote storage location for safekeeping and futureaccessibility.

Another possible example may involve prefetching from the separatestorage facility previously archived high quality resolution images inanticipation of an upcoming event. A further example may involve usingan external unit such as a mobile telephone to select certain individualor collective archived image data in remote archived storage, andinitiate a redirection (e.g., distribution) of an enhanced transformedhigh quality resolution version that is matched to a high qualitycapability external unit of an approved recipient.

Referring to the exemplary dual mode capture embodiment 1715 of FIG. 28,process components may include coordinating contemporaneous operation ofa video capture module and a still image capture module (block 1725);operating a video capture module having specified quality parameters togenerate a video data stream derived from a particular field of view(block 1727); and also operating a still image capture module togenerate one or more still image frames derived from a related field ofview, wherein the still image capture module includes dissimilar qualitycapabilities compared to the video capture module (block 1728). Afurther related process component may include allowing ongoing captureof a video data stream incorporated in a video image format and alsofacilitating periodic capture of one or more still image framesincorporated in a still image format, wherein the video image format andthe still image format include one or more different features,respectively (block 1729).

FIG. 29 illustrates another exemplary image capture technique embodiment1730 that may include providing a video capture module with specifiedquality parameters (block 1731), capturing a video data streamincorporated in a video mode format, which video data stream is derivedfrom a particular field of view of the video capture module (block1732), providing a still image capture module with given qualitycapabilities (block 1733), and enabling coordinated operation of thevideo capture module and the still image capture module regarding theirrespective fields of view (block 1734). A further possible aspect mayinclude activating the still image capture module to periodicallycapture one or more still image frames incorporated in a still modeformat that includes one or more different features as compared to thevideo mode format (block 1736).

Referring to the exemplary embodiments 1740 illustrated in FIG. 30, apossible technique may include previously described process features1731, 1732, 1733, 1734, 1736 along with providing a tag that identifiesat least one video frame captured at approximately the same time as theone or more still image frames (block 1743). Other possibleimplementation features may include storing the one or more still imageframes as a digital object associated with a stored version of the videodata stream (block 1741) or a digital object distinct from a storedversion of the video data stream (block 1741).

Further exemplary aspects may include incorporating in the still imagecapture module one or more quality capabilities that are different fromthe specified quality parameters of the video capture module (block1746). Other related aspects may include incorporating one or more ofthe following different quality capabilities in the still image capturemodule: color balance, white balance, color space, depth of field, pixelcapture resolution, pixel storage resolution, capture quality, storagequality, gray scale, ambient light sensor, infra-red illumination, flashillumination, aperture opening, focal point, filter, shutter speed,automated shutter, manual shutter, still frame frequency, previewdisplay, post-capture display, high quality storage media, low qualitystorage media, removable storage media, programmed quality attribute,automated quality attribute, user-selected quality attribute, ownershipright, transfer right, volatile memory, permanent memory, post-captureediting, and meta-data (block 1747).

The various exemplary embodiments 1750 of FIG. 31 may include previouslydescribed features 1731, 1732, 1733, 1734, 1736 along with aspectsrelated to quality capabilities of the still image capture module. Forexample some implementations may include incorporating at least onegiven still image quality capability having an operational range ofvariable image capture attributes that is different as compared to anoperational range of corresponding variable video capture attributes(block 1751). Other implementations may include incorporating the givenstill image quality capability having the operational range of variableimage capture attributes that is partially overlapping with theoperational range of corresponding variable video capture attributes(block 1752).

Additional possible implementation features may include activating ashutter based on a user-selected schedule (block 1753), and activating ashutter based on a programmed or automated schedule (block 1754). Otherpossible features may include providing a shutter speed interval for thestill image capture module that is different from a concurrent framefrequency interval for the video capture module (block 1756), andproviding the shutter speed interval that is greater than the concurrentframe frequency interval for the video capture module (block 1757).

As shown in FIG. 31, other related aspects may include enabling amanually actuated shutter to periodically capture the one or more stillimage frames (block 1758); and enabling an activation control for themanually actuated shutter, which activation control is located remotelyfrom the still image module (block 1759).

The various exemplary embodiments 1760 illustrated in FIG. 32 includepreviously described process components 1731, 1732, 1733, 1736 alongwith possible aspect of incorporating in the video capture module adefault quality parameter that cannot be altered (block 1761), andincorporating in the image capture module a default quality capabilitythat cannot be altered (block 1764).

Further exemplary aspects may include enabling user selection of anoptional quality parameter incorporated in the video capture module(block 1762), and enabling programmed or automated selection of anoptional quality parameter incorporated in the video capture module(block 1763). Additional process features may include enabling userselection of an optional quality capability incorporated in the stillimage capture module (block 1765), and enabling programmed or automatedselection of an optional quality capability incorporated in the stillimage capture module (block 1766).

Other possible implementation features shown in FIG. 32 includeproviding a user-actuated selection of a variable image captureattribute of the one or more still image frames (block 1767), andproviding a programmed or automated selection of a variable imagecapture attribute of the one or more still image frames (block 1768). Anadditional possible feature may include enabling a display of thumbnailexemplars of the one or more still image frames (block 1769).

The exemplary embodiments 1770 shown in FIG. 33 include previouslydescribed process features 1731, 1732, 1733, 1734 along with apossibility of activating the still image capture module to periodicallycapture one or more still image frames incorporated in a still modeformat (block 1735).

Other possible process features may include enabling a programmed orautomated coordination of the respective fields of view of the videocapture module and the still image capture module (block 1771), allowinga user-actuated override to change the programmed or automatedcoordination of the respective fields of view (block 1772), and enablinguser-actuated coordination of the respective fields of view of the videocapture module and the still image capture module (block 1773).

Further exemplary implementation features may include allowing selectionof a zoom close-up field of view for the still image capture modulewithout causing a same close-up field of view for the video capturemodule (block 1776), and incorporating in the close-up field of view forthe still image capture module at least a portion of a concurrent fieldof view for the video capture module (block 1777).

Other possible aspects illustrated in FIG. 33 include allowing selectionof a zoom distant field of view for the still image capture modulewithout causing a same distant field of view for the video capturemodule (block 1781), and incorporating in the distant field of view forthe still image capture module at least a portion of a concurrent fieldof view for the video capture module (block 1782).

Additional possible aspects may include allowing selection of a wideangle or narrow angle field of view for the still image capture modulewithout causing a same wide angle or narrow angle field of view for thevideo capture module (block 1783), and incorporating in such field ofview for the still image capture module at least a portion of aconcurrent field of view for the video capture module (block 1784).

The various process embodiments 1785 illustrated in FIG. 34 includepreviously described features 1731, 1732, 1733, 1734, 1735 along withpossible aspects pertaining to coordination between capturing the videodata stream and capturing the still image frames. For example, apossible aspect may include capturing the sequence of video frameswithout interruption during a same time period when capturing the stillimage frames (block 1791). Other possible aspects may include activatingan ancillary device approximately concurrently with capturing the one ormore still image frames (block 1792), and deactivating the video capturedevice during an activation interval for the ancillary device (block1793).

Additional implementation features may include obtaining a still modeformat having one or more of the following type of different visualelements as compared to the video mode format: aspect ratio, colorspace, resolution, dynamic range, and pixel depth (block 1786). Anotherpossible feature includes incorporating in the still mode format adefault visual element that cannot be altered (block 1787).

Further possible features may include enabling programmed or automatedselection of one or more types of different visual elements included inthe still mode format (block 1788). Another possible feature may includeenabling user-actuated selection of one or more types of differentvisual elements included in the still mode format (block 1789).

As shown in FIG. 35, exemplary process embodiments 1795 may includepreviously described features 1731, 1732, 1733, 1734, 1736 along withvarious possible aspects relating to capturing the video data stream orthe still image frames. For example, a possible aspect may includepositioning a first lens of the still image capture module in relativealignment with a second lens of the video capture module (block 1796).

Other possible aspects may include positioning the first lens in anadjustable alignment relative to the second lens (block 1797), andproviding an adjustable zoom feature for the first lens to capturing oneor more close-up or distant still image frames (block 1798). Yet anotherpossible aspect may include providing a shared lens for use by both thestill image capture module and the video capture module (block 1799).

Further possible features shown in FIG. 35 include automaticallyactivating an ancillary device at approximately the same time asactivating a shutter to assist in generating the one or more still imageframes (block 1801), and sensing a lack of satisfactory natural lightexposure as a basis for automatically activating the ancillary device(block 1802). An additional possible feature may include automaticallyactivating one or more of the following type of ancillary devices: flashilluminator, infrared illuminator, ultraviolet illuminator, light meter,exposure controller, time stamp, date stamp, ID indicia, zoom lensactuator, sensor, monitor, and detector (block 1803).

The various exemplary data capture embodiments 1805 of FIG. 36 includepreviously described process components 1727, 1728, 1729 in combinationwith other possible features including enabling user selection orprogrammed selection or automatic selection of an optional qualityparameter incorporated in the video capture module (block 1806) and inthe still image capture module (block 1807). Other possibleimplementation features may include enabling user coordination orprogrammed coordination or automated coordination of the related fieldsof view of the video capture module and the still image capture module(block 1808).

FIG. 36 illustrates additional possible aspects including selectivelyactivating a still image capture feature that is not concurrentlyactivated in the video capture module (block 1812), and selectivelyactivating a video capture feature that is not concurrently activated inthe still image module (block 1813).

Other possible aspects may include selectively activating one or more ofthe following features in either the still image capture module or inthe video capture module: zoom in, zoom out, close-up, distant, fixedfield of view, variable field of view, wide angle view, diminished angleview, ancillary device, added filter, omitted filter, ancillaryillumination, higher quality image, lower quality image, high resolutioncapture, high resolution storage, low resolution capture, low resolutionstorage, ID indicia, wireless transfer, hardcopy output, thumbnaildisplay, sensor, monitor, and detector (block 1811).

Referring to the exemplary embodiment 1815 of FIG. 37, a computerprogram product implementation may have instructions for executing aprocess that includes providing coordinated operation of a video capturemodule having specified quality parameters with operation of a stillimage capture module having dissimilar quality capabilities as comparedto the video capture module (block 1817); allowing ongoing capture of avideo data stream incorporated in a video image format and derived froma particular field of view (block 1818); and facilitating periodiccapture of one or more still image frames incorporated in a still imageformat and derived from a related field of view, wherein the video imageformat and the still image format include one or more differentfeatures, respectively (block 1819).

It will be understood that various process aspects as disclosed hereinmay be incorporated as instructions in one or more computer programs.For example, such exemplary instructions may include implementation ofone or more of the following dissimilar quality capabilities of thestill image capture module: color balance, white balance, color space,depth of field, pixel capture resolution, pixel storage resolution,capture quality, storage quality, gray scale, ambient light sensor,infra-red illumination, flash illumination, aperture opening, focalpoint, filter, shutter speed, automated shutter, manual shutter, stillframe frequency, preview display, post-capture display, high qualitystorage media, low quality storage media, removable storage media,programmed quality attribute, automated quality attribute, user-selectedquality attribute, ownership right, transfer right, volatile memory,permanent memory, post-capture editing, and meta-data.

Additional exemplary instructions may include implementation of one ormore of the following different features of the still image format:aspect ratio, color space, resolution, dynamic range, and pixel depth.

Referring to the schematic diagram of FIG. 38, an exemplary data capturesystem embodiment may include a fixed alignment video camera module 1820having a wide field of view 1822 that encompasses vehicle 1824 atdifferent locations (see phantom position 1824 a), and that alsoencompasses personages 1826, 1828 at varied locations. The system mayfurther include an adjustable alignment still image camera module 1830having a narrow field of view 1832 shown directed at vehicle 1824. Analignment change of still image camera module 1830 (see variable phantomalignment 1834) enables the still image camera module to have anadjusted field of view directed at personages 1826, 1828.

It will be understood that various possible control implementations maybe used to coordinate operation of video camera module 1820 withoperation of still image camera module 1830, and the illustratedimplementation of FIG. 38 is by way of example only and is not intendedto be limiting. A user/operator 1838 in some instances may haveselective operational control 1839 of the still image camera module. Insome instances selective operation control of the video camera module1820 may be provided by user/operator 1838 or another user operator (notshown). Similar type of user selected operational control of ancillarydevice 1840 may also be provided.

The exemplary system embodiment of FIG. 38 may also include ancillarydevice 1840, control unit 1850 and program 1855. The control unit may beoperably coupled to video camera module 1820 via 1851, and to stillimage camera module via 1852, and to ancillary device 1840 via 1853, andto program via 1854, and to user/operator 1838 via 1858. Accordingly itwill be understood that automated or programmed control may be availablefor operation of video camera module 1820, still camera module 1830, andancillary device 1840.

It will be understood that ancillary device 1840 may include variousauxiliary features related to capturing the video data stream as well ascapturing the still image frames. As shown schematically in FIG. 38, theancillary device 1840 may in some exemplary implementations providesupplemental illumination (see directional arrows 1842) of vehicle 1824to facilitate a desirable quality capture of individual still imageframes as well as in some instances a desirable quality capture of avideo data stream. In other exemplary implementations the ancillarydevice 1840 may be used to detect movement (see directional arrows 1842)of vehicle 1824 to a new location 1824 a, which movement may have apossible causal effect on operation of the still image camera module1830 as well as a possible causal effect on operation of the videocamera module 1820. Such examples are by way of illustration and are notintended to be limiting.

Referring to the schematic block diagram of FIG. 39, another possibledata capture system embodiment may include video capture module 1860having specified video quality parameters 1862, video display 1864,manual control 1866, and controller 1868. A photosensor 1870 may beconfigured to receive a captured video stream 1871 through dedicatedvideo lens 1872. In some implementations the video capture module may beconfigured to receive video data elements from a captured video/stilldata stream 1903 passing through shared lenses 1904 and directionalmirror 1902 via communication link 1906 to photosensor 1870.

The captured video data stream may be incorporated in a particular videoformat that is saved by data storage media 1874 in temporary memory 1876or long term memory 1878 for future availability and processing.

The exemplary data capture system embodiment of FIG. 39 may also includestill image capture module 1880 having given quality capabilities 1882,still display 1884, manual control 1886, and controller 1888. Aphotosensor 1890 may be configured to receive captured still imageframes 1891 through dedicated still lens 1892. In some implementationsthe still image capture module may be configured to receive still imagedata elements from a captured video/still data stream 1903 passingthrough shared lenses 1904 and directional mirror 1902 via communicationlink 1908 to photosensor 1890.

The captured still image frames may be incorporated in a particularstill image format that is saved by data storage media 1894 in temporarymemory 1896 or long term memory 1898 for future availability andprocessing.

It will be understood that in addition to coordination of the disclosedcapturing techniques for generating video and still data from relatedfields of view, the various system and process components may alsofacilitate initial and ongoing correlation 1900 between capturedversions (e.g., stored, edited, regenerated, combined, collated, etc.)of the video data stream and captured versions (e.g., stored, edited,regenerated, collated, etc.) of the still image frames.

It will be understood from the disclosures herein that an exemplaryembodiments for implementing a dual mode data capture system may includevarious lens arrangements, including one or more shared lenses forcapturing both the video data stream and the still image frames. Otherembodiments may provide a first lens for capturing the video data streamand a second lens for capturing the still image frames.

Other system aspects that may be incorporated in a dual mode datacapture system may include one or more given quality capabilities of thestill image capture module that are different from the specified qualityparameters of the video capture module.

The exemplary embodiment 1910 shown in the high level flow chart of FIG.40 discloses a method of image capture correlation including creating avideo data stream derived from a field of view of a video capturecomponent (block 1911); capturing one or more still image frames derivedfrom a related field of view of a still image capture component, whereinthe one or more still image frames include different qualitycharacteristics compared to the video data stream (block 1912); andproviding a cross-reference association between the video data streamand the one or more still image frames, which cross-referenceassociation facilitates future accessibility between a portion of thevideo data stream and a particular correlated still image frame (block1913).

Another exemplary process embodiment 1915 illustrated in FIG. 41discloses an image capture correlation method that includes obtaining aportion of video data stream derived from a field of view of a videocapture component (block 1916); initiating a capture of one or morestill image frames derived from a related field of view of a still imagecapture component (block 1917); generating a stored version of thecaptured still image frames, which stored version includes differentquality characteristics compared to a stored version of the video datastream (block 1918); and providing a cross-reference association betweenthe stored versions of the video data stream and the one or more stillimage frames, which cross-reference association facilitates futureaccessibility between a portion of the video data stream and aparticular correlated still image frame (block 1919).

Referring to the various exemplary embodiments 1920 of FIG. 42,previously described process components 1911, 1912, 1913 may be combinedwith other features relating to quality characteristics andcross-reference associations. For example, a possible aspect may includecapturing one or more still image frames having different qualitycharacteristics generated as a result of a given quality capability ofthe still image capture device (block 1921). Another possible aspect mayinclude capturing one or more still image frames having differentquality characteristics generated as a result of a different formatfeature generated by the still image capture component (block 1922).

Further possible features may include establishing the cross-referenceassociation contemporaneously with creating the video data stream (block1923), and in some instances subsequent to creating the video datastream (block 1924). Some implementation features may includeestablishing the cross-reference association contemporaneously withcapturing the correlated still image frame (block 1926), and in otherinstances subsequent to capturing the correlated still image frame(block 1927).

Other possible process features may include storing the one or morestill image frames as a digital object distinct from a stored version ofthe video data stream (block 1928), and storing the one or more stillimage frames as a digital object associated with a stored version of thevideo data stream (block 1929).

The additional exemplary embodiments 1930 shown in FIG. 43 may includepreviously described process components 1911, 1912, 1913 along withpossible aspects relating to an identifier tag. For example, a possibleaspect may include coordinating the creating of the video data streamwith the capturing one or more still image frames to facilitateestablishing an identifier tag as at least a partial basis forimplementing the cross-reference association (block 1931). A furtherpossible aspect may include establishing an identifier tag thatidentifies at least one video frame created at approximately the sametime as the capturing of the correlated still image frame (block 1932).

Additional implementation features may include establishing one or moreof the following types of identifier tags: time stamp, date stamp,background, view location, project name, topic, client, video component,still component, component specification, storage media, storagelocation, component operator, participant, indicia ID, sequence numeral,thumbnail link, index listing, acronym, abbreviation, pointer link,hyper-link, icon, and barcode (block 1933).

Further possible features shown in FIG. 43 include establishing adefault identifier tag that cannot be altered (block 1934), enablinguser selection of the identifier tag (block 1936), and enablingprogrammed or automated selection of the identifier tag (block 1937).

Other exemplary features may include enabling a programmed or automatedcoordination of the related fields of view of the video capturecomponent and the still image capture component (block 1938), andallowing a user-actuated override to change the programmed or automatedcoordination of the related fields of view (block 1939).

The various exemplary process embodiments 1940 of FIG. 44 may includepreviously described process features 1911, 1912, 1913 along withfurther possible accessibility aspects including incorporating across-reference video identifier with a specified stored portion of thevideo data stream to facilitate one or more of the following types offuture accessibility: view, display, forward, create thumbnail,retrieve, copy, edit, change resolution, increase resolution, decreaseresolution, change format, combine images, distribute, delete, print,collate, restricted access, access security, modify identifier, deleteidentifier, and add identifier (block 1941).

Additional possible aspects may include enabling accessibility to thespecified stored portion of the video data stream in response to acommunication that includes the cross-reference video identifier (block1942), and storing the specified stored portion of the video data streamin localized media integrated with or operably coupled to the videocapture component (block 1943). Another exemplary implementation featuremay include storing the specified stored portion of the video datastream in removable media that can be transported separate and apartfrom the video capture component (block 1944).

Further possible features may include storing the specified storedportion of the video data stream in a remote storage location separateand apart from the video capture component (block 1946), and storing thespecified stored portion in the remote storage location owned oroperated by a third party (block 1947).

The embodiments 1950 shown in FIG. 45 include various possibleimplementation features relating to a still image identifier incombination with previously described process features 1911, 1912, 1913.Such exemplary implementation may include incorporating across-reference still image identifier with one or more given stillimage frames to facilitate one or more of the following types of futureaccessibility: view, display, forward, create thumbnail, retrieve, copy,edit, change resolution, increase resolution, decrease resolution,change format, combine images, distribute, delete, print, collate,restricted access, access security, modify identifier, deleteidentifier, and add identifier (block 1951).

Other storage accessibility aspects may include enabling accessibilityto the given still image frames in response to a communication thatincludes the cross-reference still image identifier (block 1952), andstoring the given still image frames in localized media integrated withor operably coupled to the still image capture component (block 1953).Another possible aspect may include storing the given still image framesin removable media that can be transported separate and apart from thestill image capture component (block 1954).

Further possible implementation features may include storing the givenstill image frames in a remote storage location separate and apart fromthe still image capture component (block 1956), and storing the givenstill image frames in the remote storage location owned or operated by athird party (block 1957).

The exemplary embodiments 1960 of FIG. 46 may include previouslydescribed process components 1911, 1912, 1913 in combination withincorporating in the still image capture component one or more qualitycapabilities that are different from specified quality parameters of thevideo capture component (block 1961). A related aspect may includeincorporating one or more of the following different qualitycapabilities in the still image capture component: color balance, whitebalance, color space, depth of field, pixel capture resolution, pixelstorage resolution, capture quality, storage quality, gray scale,ambient light sensor, infra-red illumination, flash illumination,aperture opening, focal point, filter, shutter speed, automated shutter,manual shutter, still frame frequency, preview display, post-capturedisplay, high Q storage media, low Q storage media, removable storagemedia, programmed quality attribute, automated quality attribute,user-selected quality attribute, ownership right, transfer right,volatile memory, permanent memory, post-capture editing, and meta-data(block 1962).

Further possible aspects may include allowing selection of a close-upzoom field of view for the still image capture component without causinga same close-up field of view for the video capture component (block1966), allowing selection of a distant zoom field of view for the stillimage capture component without causing a same distant field of view forthe video capture component (block 1967), and allowing selection of anenlarged or diminished field of view for the still image capturecomponent without causing a same enlarged or diminished field of viewfor the video capture component (block 1968).

The detailed exemplary embodiments 1970 of FIG. 47 may includepreviously described process components 1911, 1912, 1913 along withother possible features such as providing a still mode format having oneor more of the following type of different visual elements as comparedto the video mode format: aspect ratio, color space, color value, colorintensity, image intensity, resolution, pixel density, dynamic range,and pixel depth (block 1971).

Another possible aspect may include providing a shutter speed intervalfor the still image capture component that is different from aconcurrent frame frequency interval for the video capture component(block 1972). A further exemplary aspect may include enablinguser-actuated coordination of the related fields of view of the videocapture component and the still image capture component (block 1973).

Additional exemplary features shown in FIG. 47 include enabling displayof a thumbnail exemplar that incorporates a cross-reference still imageidentifier (block 1974), and enabling display of a thumbnail exemplarthat incorporates a cross-reference video identifier (block 1976). Arelated possible feature may include incorporating a cross-referenceidentifier with the display of thumbnail exemplars to provide areference link to both a portion of a stored video data stream and astored correlated still image frame (block 1977).

Further aspects relating to an ancillary component may includeactivating an ancillary component prior to or concurrently withactivating a shutter to assist in generating the one or more still imageframes (block 1978). A related aspect may include activating one or moreof the following type of ancillary components: flash illuminator,infrared illuminator, ultraviolet illuminator, light meter, exposurecontroller, time stamp, date stamp, ID indicia, zoom lens actuator,sensor, monitor, and detector (block 1979).

The detailed exemplary embodiments 1980 of FIG. 48 disclose otherpossibilities for implementing an image capture correlation method. Suchpossibilities may include previously described process components 1911,1912, 1913 along with various aspects related to an ancillary module.For example, further exemplary aspects may include activating anancillary module approximately concurrently with capturing the one ormore still image frames (block 1981), and deactivating the video capturecomponent during an activation interval for the ancillary module (block1981).

Other possible features may include activating an ancillary module priorto capturing the one or more still image frames (block 1983), initiatingthe capturing of one or more still image frames in response to an outputof the ancillary module (block 1984), and initiating the capturing ofone or more still image frames in response to field of view informationdetected or sensed by the ancillary module (block 1986).

Yet another exemplary aspect may include selectively activating one ormore of the following features associated with the still image capturecomponent in response to an output of an ancillary module: zoom in, zoomout, close-up, distant, fixed field of view, variable field of view,wide angle view, narrow angle view, diminished field of view, addfilter, omit filter, shutter speed, exposure parameter, supplementalillumination, higher quality image, lower quality image, higherresolution capture, higher resolution storage, lower resolution capture,lower resolution storage, ID indicia, wireless transfer, hardcopyoutput, and thumbnail display (block 1987).

The exemplary embodiments 1990 of FIG. 49 may include previouslydescribed features 1916, 1917, 1918, 1919 as well as a possibility ofinitiating the capture of a still image frame in response to anactivation event associated with the related field of view of the videocapture component (block 1991). A further related aspect may includeinitiating such capture in response to one or more of the following typeof activation events: ancillary module output, monitored field of viewparticipant, monitored field of view activity, sensed field of viewcondition, user selection, programmed selection, automated selection,and temporal schedule (block 1992).

Further disclosed exemplary features may include obtaining a portion ofthe video data stream in response to an activation event associated withthe related field of view of the still image capture component (block1993), and obtaining a portion of the video data stream in response toone or more of the following type of activation events: ancillary moduleoutput, monitored field of view participant, monitored field of viewactivity, sensed field of view condition, user selection, programmedselection, automated selection, and temporal schedule (block 1994).

Other possible implementation features shown in FIG. 49 include creatinga record associated with the stored version of the still image framesindicating a causation basis for initiating the capture of such stillimage frames (block 1996), and creating a record associated with thestored version of the video data stream indicating a causation basis forobtaining the video data stream portion (block 1997).

An exemplary embodiment 2000 shown in FIG. 50 discloses a computerprogram product having instructions for executing a process (block 2001)that may include obtaining a portion of video data stream derived from afield of view of a video capture component (block 2002); initiating acapture of one or more still image frames derived from a related fieldof view of a still image capture component (block 2003); and generatinga stored version of the captured still image frames, which storedversion includes different quality characteristics compared to a storedversion of the video data stream (block 2004).

A further possible process feature may include providing across-reference association between the stored versions of the videodata stream and the one or more still image frames to facilitate futureaccessibility to the stored version of a portion of the video datastream and/or to the stored version of a particular correlated stillimage frame (block 2005).

It will be understood that various process features may be implementedin a computer program product. For example, process instructions mayinclude enabling the cross-reference association to facilitate one ormore of the following types of future accessibility to the storedversions of the video data stream and/or the one or more still imageframes: view, display, forward, create thumbnail, retrieve, copy, edit,change resolution, increase resolution, decrease resolution, changeformat, combine images, distribute, delete, print, collate, restrictedaccess, access security, modify cross-reference identifier, deletecross-reference identifier, and add cross-reference identifier.

Additional exemplary process instructions may include selectivelyactivating a still image capture feature that is not concurrentlyactivated in the video capture module. Further exemplary processinstructions may include selectively activating a video capture featurethat is not concurrently activated in the still image capture module.

Referring to the schematic block diagram of FIG. 51, an exemplary imagecapture system embodiment includes a stored version of video data stream2010 and a stored version of still image frames 2015.

Various types of correlation features are illustrated in the embodimentsshown in FIG. 51. For example, a bidirectional correlation 2012 may beprovided between a stored video stream portion 2011 and a stored versionof a particular still image frame 2016. This exemplary embodiment mayprovide a cross-reference (x-reference) identifier tag 2017 associatedwith the stored still image frame (or frames), which identifier tag mayinclude one or more identifier attributes 2018. A similar or differentidentifier tag (not shown) may also be associated with the correlatedvideo stream portion 2011.

In another example, a bidirectional correlation 2022 may be providedbetween a stored still image frame 2021 and a stored version of a videostream portion 2023. This exemplary embodiment includes across-reference (x-reference) identifier tag 2024 associated with thestored video stream portion (or individual video frame), whichidentifier tag may include one or more identifier attributes 2025. Asimilar or different identifier tag (not shown) may also be associatedwith the correlated still image frame 2021.

In a further example, a correlation 2031 may provide a cross-referenceassociation (e.g., communication link, ID indicia, etc.) between across-reference video identifier 2030 and a stored video stream portion2032 that is illustrated schematically as four sequential video frames.

In yet another example, a correlation 2036 may provide a cross-referenceassociation between a cross-reference still image identifier 2035 andone or more stored image frames 2037 illustrated schematically as asingle still frame.

In an additional example, a first correlation 2041 may provide across-reference association between a cross-reference dual identifier2040 and a video stream portion 2042 illustrated schematically as threenon-sequential video frames. In this instance a second correlation 2043may provide a cross-reference association between the samecross-reference dual identifier 2040 and one or more still image frames2044 illustrated schematically as three still frames. Of course suchdual identifiers may also be incorporated in other exemplaryembodiments.

Other possible exemplary embodiments may include a thumbnail identifier2046 having a temporary correlation linkage (shown in phantom as 2047)with stored video data streams. The temporary correlation linkage 2047may be capable of modification to provide correlation linkage to new orpreviously stored versions of captured video data streams. A furtherexemplary thumbnail identifier 2048 may also include different types ofcorrelation linkages (shown in phantom as 2049) with stored still imageframes. Of course such variable or temporary or changeable or updateablecorrelation features may be incorporated in other exemplary embodiments.

It will be understood that some x-reference identifiers may include afixed default identifier (e.g., non-alterable) or may be subject tolimited access (e.g., encoded, password protected, etc.) or may beaccessible without restriction depending on the circumstances. Theexemplary embodiments are disclosed for purposes of illustration onlyand are not intended to be limiting.

Referring to the exemplary process embodiment 2060 of FIG. 52, variouspossible aspects of an image capturing method are illustrated includingcreating a visual display that represents a field of view of an imagecapture device (block 2061); providing a user-interface that enables anidentification of one or more targeted objects that may be incorporatedin the field of view (block 2062); and enabling a user to make aselection from among the at least one or more targeted objects, whichselection is identified as a point of interest via the user-interface(block 2063). Other aspects may include initiating operation of theimage capture device for taking multiple exposures of the selection,including providing a different quality characteristic for each exposure(block 2064); and creating a stored version of each of the multipleexposures (block 2065).

The exemplary embodiment features 2070 illustrated in FIG. 53 includethe previously described process components 2061, 2062, 2063, 2064 incombination with various possible aspects relating to selection oftargeted objects. For example, an implementation feature may includeenabling the user to make the selection of two or more differenttargeted objects incorporated in the same field of view (block 2071).Other possible aspects may include obtaining multiple still imageexposures (block 2072) and multiple video image exposures (block 2073)of the selection.

Another exemplary feature may include enabling user-actuatedcoordination of the related fields of view of the image capture devicefor obtaining the multiple exposures of the selection (block 2078).

Additional possible aspects shown in FIG. 53 may include obtaining atleast one still image exposure and at least one video image exposure ofthe selection (block 2074). Further possible implementation features mayinclude incorporating the selection of targeted objects as a componentelement in a composite work (block 2075), incorporating the selection asa component element in a composite video image frame (block 2076), andincorporating the selection of targeted objects as a component elementin a composite still image frame (block 2077).

It is to be noted that various image capture systems and methods havebeen suggested as a basis for constructing composite images. In thatregard, see the subject matter of the following commonly assignedrelated applications which are incorporated herein by reference: U.S.Ser. No. 10/764,431 filed 21 Jan. 2004, entitled IMAGE CORRECTION USINGINDIVIDUAL MANIPULATION OF MICROLENSES IN A MICROLENS ARRAY, issued 22Nov. 2005 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,967,780; and U.S. Ser. No. 10/785,697 filed24 Feb. 2004, entitled VOLUMETRIC IMAGE USING “VIRTUAL” LENSLETS,published 25 Aug. 2005 as publication No. 2005/0185062.

The exemplary process features 2080 illustrated in FIG. 54 includepreviously described process components 2061, 2062, 2063, 2064 incombination with providing a cross-reference association between themultiple exposures, which cross-reference association facilitates futureuser accessibility for incorporating one of the multiple exposures ofthe selection as a component element in a composite work (block 2081).

Other possible cross-reference features shown in FIG. 54 may includeestablishing the cross-reference association contemporaneously withtaking the multiple exposures of the selection (block 2082),establishing the cross-reference association subsequent to taking themultiple exposures of the selection (block 2083), and establishing anidentifier tag as at least a partial basis for implementing thecross-reference association (block 2084).

An additional aspect may include establishing one or more of thefollowing types of identifier tags: time stamp, date stamp, background,view location, project name, topic, client, video component, stillcomponent, component specification, storage media, storage location,component operator, participant, indicia ID, sequence numeral, thumbnaillink, index listing, acronym, abbreviation, pointer link, hyper-link,icon, and barcode (block 2086).

A further aspect may include incorporating a cross-reference identifierwith the multiple exposures to facilitate one or more of the followingtype of accessibility: view, display, forward, create thumbnail,retrieve, copy, edit, change resolution, increase resolution, decreaseresolution, change format, combine images, distribute, delete, print,collate, restricted access, access security, modify identifier, deleteidentifier, add identifier, access right, usage right, limited license,transfer of rights, and ownership assignment (block 2087).

Referring to FIG. 55, exemplary process embodiments 2090 may includepreviously described features 2061, 2062, 2063, 2064, 2065 along withvarious storage implementation features. For example, possible aspectsmay include storing the multiple exposures in localized media integratedwith or operably coupled to the image capture device (block 2091),storing the multiple exposures in removable media that can betransported separate and apart from the image capture device (block2092), and storing the multiple exposures in a remote storage locationseparate and apart from the image capture device (block 2093).

An additional possible aspect may include storing one of more versionsof the multiple exposures in a local storage location and in a remotestorage location with respect to the image capture device (block 2094).A further possible implementation feature may include creating analtered form of the stored version of one or more of the multipleexposures (block 2096).

Another possible feature may include implementing one or more of thefollowing type of alteration techniques: data compression, resolutionenhancement, reduced resolution, increased resolution, objectobfuscation, object deletion, object addition, object substitution,algorithmic processing, image aggregation, cropping, color balancing,colorizing, and grayscale implementation (block 2097).

The illustrated embodiment features 2100 of FIG. 56 include previouslydescribed aspects 2061, 2062, 2063, 2064, 2065 in combination withproviding one or more of the following type of features in order toobtain multiple exposures having different quality characteristics:color balance, white balance, color space, depth of field, pixel captureresolution, pixel storage resolution, capture quality, storage quality,gray scale, ambient light sensor, wavelength setting, infra-redillumination, flash illumination, aperture opening, focal point, filter,shutter speed, automated shutter, manual shutter, still frame frequency,preview display, post-capture display, high Q storage media, low Qstorage media, removable storage media, programmed quality attribute,automated quality attribute, user-selected quality attribute, ownershipright, transfer right, volatile memory, permanent memory, post-captureediting, and meta-data (block 2101).

Additional exemplary features may include enabling a programmed orautomated coordination of related fields of view of the image capturedevice for obtaining the multiple exposures of the selection (block2102), and allowing a user-actuated override to change the programmed orautomated coordination of the related fields of view (block 2103).

Another implementation feature may include incorporating one or more ofthe following type of different quality attributes in the stored versionof the multiple exposures: aspect ratio, color space, color value, colorintensity, image intensity, resolution, pixel density, dynamic range,pixel depth, shutter speed, exposure frequency, fidelity, obfuscationlevel, object deletion, object substitution, and transformation (block2104). Another implementation feature may include activating a stillimage capture device approximately concurrently with activating a videoimage capture device to obtain the multiple exposures of the selection(block 2106).

The flow chart features 2110 shown in FIG. 57 include previouslydescribed process components 2061, 2062, 2063, 2064 along withselectively activating one or more of the following features associatedwith the image capture device in order to obtain multiple exposures withdifferent qualities: zoom in, zoom out, close-up, distant, fixed fieldof view, variable field of view, wide angle view, narrow angle view,diminished field of view, add filter, omit filter, shutter speed,exposure parameter, supplemental illumination, higher quality image,lower quality image, higher resolution capture, higher resolutionstorage, lower resolution capture, lower resolution storage, ID indicia,wireless transfer, hardcopy output, and thumbnail display (block 2112).

Further exemplary features may include activating one or more of thefollowing type of ancillary image capture features: flash illuminator,infrared illuminator, ultraviolet illuminator, light meter, exposurecontroller, time stamp, date stamp, ID indicia, zoom lens actuator,sensor, monitor, and detector (block 2113). Other possible aspects mayinclude facilitating the selection or identification of the targetedobject as the point of interest with one or more of the followingtechniques: pull-down menu, cursor placement, directional pointer, areaoutline, area fill, object labeling, screen touching, voice activation,identifier tag, editing code, manual activation, bodily movement, devicemovement, gesture, motion sensor, item naming, item confirmation,preview selection, usage right attribute, and usage right recognition(block 2114),

Additional exemplary features shown in FIG. 57 include providing one ormore different quality characteristics that are at least partiallydetermined by a usage right attribute associated with the targetedobject (block 2116), and providing one or more different qualitycharacteristics that are at least partially determined by a privacyright attribute associated with the targeted object (block 2117).Another exemplary feature may include providing one or more differentquality characteristics that are at least partially determined by aproprietary right attribute associated with the targeted object (block2118).

The high level flow chart of FIG. 58 illustrates an exemplary embodiment2120 that includes a computer program product having one or morecomputer programs for executing a process (block 2121). A possibleencoded process may include creating a visual display that represents afield of view of an image capture device (block 2122); providing auser-interface that enables an identification of possible targetedobjects that may be incorporated in the field of view (block 2123); andenabling a user to make a selection of one or more particular targetedobjects, which selection is identified as a point of interest via theuser-interface (block 2124). A further exemplary encoded process aspectmay include initiating operation of the image capture device for takingmultiple exposures of the selection, wherein each exposure has at leastone different quality characteristic (block 2125).

Various other aspects may be incorporated as part of a computer programproduct, including instructions for creating a data record thatidentifies the selection of one or more targeted objects as the point ofinterest. Other exemplary aspects may include encoded instructions forcreating a stored version of the multiple exposures of the selection forfuture reference, and encoded instructions for enabling access andretrieval of visual elements incorporated in the stored version of themultiple exposures for incorporation in a composite work. It will beunderstood that storage media and/or signal communication media mayincorporate encoded instructions for executing many types of processfeatures.

The schematic block diagram embodiment features of FIG. 59 include imagecapture module 2130 and user interface 2131 that are configured foroperative coupling with various types of component features forselection and capturing of multiple exposures of targeted objects. Forexample, illustrated exemplary components may include still imagecomponent 2132, video image component 2133, and data record 2134 as wellas processor 2135 and controller 2136. Additional exemplary componentsmay further include storage media 2137, one or more application programs2138, one or more ancillary components 2139, and selector component2140.

The exemplary embodiment features of image capture module 2130 may havecapability for a wide angle field of view 2150 that covers many possibletarget objects. FIG. 59 shows a fixed field of view 2150 that isdirected toward a targeted stationary background of trees 2151, 2152,2153, 2154 (shown in bold outline). Such targeting may exclude otherobjects such as person 2155 who is shown to be outside the field of viewboundaries. Of course person 2155 may from time to time wander in andout of the fixed field of view 2150, and may therefore be captured bystill image component 2132 or video image component 2133.

FIG. 59 also shows another field of view 2160 that is capable ofdifferent alignments. For example, if vehicle 2161 (shown in boldoutline) is selected as a targeted object, than one or more imagecapture components such as still image component 2132 or video imagecomponent 2133 may be subject to automatic or programmed oruser-activated control to keep such targeted object within its field ofview 2160. In other words, the targeted vehicle 2161 would remain withinthe desired field of view even though driver 2162 might exit the vehicle2161 and leave it unoccupied. However, if the vehicle were occupied byan additional passenger 2163 and driven by driver 2162 to a new location(e.g., see vehicle 2161 a outlined in bold phantom), the applicableimage capture component would have capability to change its alignmentdirection (see arrows 2164) in order to keep the targeted vehicle withinits field of view 2160.

It will be understood that driver 2162 or passenger 2163 are alsopossible target objects, and may be targeted by different image capturecomponents depending on the circumstances. The exemplary target objectsshown are by way of illustration only and are not intended to belimiting.

FIG. 59 shows a further field of view 2170 that is capable of wide ornarrow boundaries (see arrow 2174) as well as different alignmentpositions. For example, if person 2171 (shown in bold outline) isselected as a target object, then one or more image capture componentsmay be configured to keep such targeted object within its field of view2170. A smaller object such as head 2172 may also be selected as atarget object, and a narrower field of view (see dotted boundary 2173)combined with a zoom-in close up lens may be desirable in somecircumstances.

In the event the targeted object such as person 2171 or head 2172 isrelocated (see 2171 a and 2172 a shown in bold phantom outline), theapplicable capture component can be re-aligned to keep the targetedobject within the appropriate field of view.

Of course in some instances another image capture component (e.g., wideangle fixed field of view) could initiate coverage of a targeted object,thereby providing transfer capability between two image capture devicesor alternatively simultaneous coverage (e.g. different angles, differentfocus, different resolution, etc.) of the same targeted object.

Referring to the schematic diagram of FIG. 60, a representation ofexemplary embodiment features shows user interface 2180 operativelycoupled to various image capture devices such as panorama capturecomponent 2175, close-up capture component 2176, audio-visual capturecomponent 2177, hi-frequency capture component 2178, and hi-resolutioncapture component 2179.

The user interface 2180 may include selector component 2181 and atargeted selections identity list 2182. Another possible feature mayinclude field of view preview 2184 that visually shows or otherwiseidentifies possible targeted objects 2185. The field of view preview mayalso show or otherwise identify targeted objects already selected suchas a targeted background 2186, targeted person 2187, targeted group2188, and targeted vehicle 2189.

Output images from the various capture components 2175, 2176, 2177,2178, 2179 may be sent temporarily to a store buffer 2200 to awaitfurther processing, or in some instances may be sent directly to acomputerized processing module 2190. Such processing may includeproviding some form of cross-reference association between differentexposures of the same objects or related objects or unrelated objects orspecified visual elements thereof. In some instances it may be desirableto make certain possible image alterations 2198 of captured exposures inaccordance with quality standards, storage limitations, future usageexpectations, and the like. Such editing may be accomplished by thecomputerized processing module 2190 or by a separate image alterationmodule 2199.

Some or all of the multiple still exposures 2192 in original or alteredform may be transferred via communication link 2191 to be saved on localand/or remote storage media for future reference. Similarly some or allof the multiple video exposures 2202 in original or altered form may betransferred via communication link 2201 to be saved on local and/orremote storage media for future reference.

Of course it will be understood that original or altered still/videoimage exposures may be stored together, or separately, or intermixed invarious types of temporary or long-term storage arrangements. In thatregard the exemplary processing, editing, and storage embodiments areprovided by way of illustration and are not intended to be limiting.

As shown in FIG. 60, future usage of the still image multiple exposures2192, may be accomplished via access interface 2210. For example, anauthorized user of access interface 2210 can use communication link 2211for purposes of search and retrieval 2213 of stored versions 2193, 2194,2195, 2196. Searching of group still image categories or individualstill image frames may by facilitated by an identification scheme basedon cross-reference identifier tags 2197.

Similarly future usage of the video image multiple exposures 2202 may beaccomplished via access interface 2210. For example, an authorized userof access interface 2210 can use communication link 2212 for purposes ofsearch and retrieval 2213 of stored versions 2203, 2204, 2205, 2206.Searching of group video image categories or individual video imageframes may by facilitated by an identification scheme based oncross-reference identifier tags 2207.

A further possible implementation feature may include an imagealteration module 2215 linked to the access interface 2210 in order toprovide an optional choice of obtaining a particular modification of anexposure image (see arrow 2216).

It will be understood from the exemplary embodiment features disclosedherein that some system implementations may provide a still imagecapture component for taking multiple still image frames of thedesignated targeted object, wherein the multiple still image frames eachhave different quality characteristics. A related system implementationmay provide a video capture component for taking a stream of multiplevideo frames of the designated targeted object, wherein the multiplevideo frames each have different quality characteristics.

Further possible system implementation may include a still image capturecomponent for taking multiple still image frames of the designatedtargeted object; and a video capture component for taking a stream ofmultiple video frames of the designated targeted object, wherein themultiple video frames each have different quality characteristicscompared to the multiple still image frames.

In some instances an exemplary system implementation may incorporatestorage media that includes one or more of the following type ofcross-reference associations between the multiple exposures of thedesignated targeted object: time stamp, date stamp, background, viewlocation, project name, topic, client, video component, still component,component specification, storage media, storage location, componentoperator, participant, indicia ID, sequence numeral, thumbnail link,index listing, acronym, abbreviation, pointer link, hyper-link, icon,and barcode.

Further possible system implementation may provide an interface linkedto the storage media to enable access and retrieval of visual elementsincorporated in the stored version of the multiple exposures of thedesignated object for incorporation in a composite work. In someinstances the composite work may include a composite still image frameor a composite video image frame.

An exemplary system embodiment may include a controller configurationfor programmed or automated activation of the image capture module totake multiple exposures of the designated targeted object. In someinstances the controller configuration may provide for user-activationof the image capture module to take multiple exposures of the designatedtargeted object.

Another possible system feature may include a controller configurationto take multiple exposures of the designated targeted object based ondifferent fields of view of the image capture module. A further possiblesystem feature may provide an image capture module that includes one ormore of the following component features for taking multiple exposureshaving different quality characteristics: zoom in, zoom out, close-up,distant, fixed field of view, variable field of view, wide angle view,narrow angle view, diminished field of view, add filter, omit filter,shutter speed, exposure parameter, supplemental illumination, higherquality image, lower quality image, higher resolution capture, higherresolution storage, lower resolution capture, lower resolution storage,ID indicia, wireless transfer, hardcopy output, and thumbnail display.

Additional system features may include a controller configuration forincorporating one or more of the following type of different qualityattributes in the stored version of the multiple exposures: aspectratio, color space, color value, color intensity, image intensity,resolution, pixel density, dynamic range, pixel depth, shutter speed,exposure frequency, fidelity, obfuscation level, object deletion, objectsubstitution, and transformation.

Further possible system features may include a controller configurationto create an altered form of one or more multiple exposures to beretained by the storage media, which altered form is a modified versionof the multiple exposures initially captured by the image capturemodule. In some instances an exemplary system may include a controllerconfiguration for implementing one or more of the following alterationtechniques for creating the altered form of the one or more multipleexposures to be retained by the storage media: data compression,resolution enhancement, reduced resolution, increased resolution, objectobfuscation, object deletion, object addition, object substitution,algorithmic processing, image aggregation, cropping, color balancing,colorizing, and grayscale implementation.

Further possible system implementation features may includes one or moreancillary components for providing input information to the controllerbased on a monitored or sensed or detected event in the field of view ofthe image capture module regarding the designated target object, whereinsaid controller activates the image capture module in response to theinput.

FIG. 61 is a schematic representing showing a possible exemplarytechnique for using the temporarily stored exposure versions from storebuffer 220 or the longer term storage media versions of multipleexposures 2192, 2202 (see FIG. 60) to create a composite visual work2270.

For example, a still image exposure 2230 may include a still frame withtargeted visual element 2231 (e.g., seven point symbol with interiordesign) having a particular set of quality characteristics. A videoframe exposure 2240 may include a video frame with a same or relatedtargeted visual element 2241 (e.g., larger bold-outlined seven pointsymbol) having a different set of quality characteristics. Pursuant to asearch and retrieval operation exemplified by communication link arrow2244, an altered version 2241 a (e.g., further enlarged seven pointsymbol with superimposed element 2266) derived from video frame exposure2240 has been chosen to be incorporated into the composite visual work2270.

As a further example, a still image exposure 2250 may include a stillframe with targeted visual element 2251 (e.g., bold outlined X-shapedsymbol) having a particular set of quality characteristics. Anotherstill image exposure 2260 may include a same or related targeted visualelement 2261 (e.g., X-shaped symbol with interior design) having adifferent set of quality characteristics. Pursuant to a search andretrieval operation exemplified by communication link arrow 2263, anunchanged version 2261 a taken from still image exposure 2260 has beenchosen to be incorporated into the composite visual work 2270.

As an additional example, a still image exposure 2250 may include astill frame with targeted visual element 2252 (e.g., triangle symbol)having a particular set of quality characteristics. A video frameexposure 2260 may include a video frame with a same or related targetedvisual element 2241 (e.g., bold outlined triangle symbol) having adifferent set of quality characteristics. Pursuant to a search andretrieval operation exemplified by communication link arrow 2263, anunchanged version 2262 a as well as an altered version 2262 b (e.g.,rotated enlarged bold outlined triangle symbol) derived from video frameexposure 2243 have both been chosen to be incorporated into thecomposite visual work 2270.

As yet another example, a still image exposure 2230 may include a stillframe with targeted (or in some instances untargeted) group visualelements 2231, 2232, 2233 having a particular set of qualitycharacteristics. Another image exposure of this same or related group ofvisual elements may be unavailable. Pursuant to a search and retrievaloperation exemplified by communication link arrow 2244, an unchangedversion 2231 a, 2232 a, 2233 a derived from still frame exposure 2230has been chosen to be incorporated into the composite visual work 2270.

It is to be noted that other collections of captured images may beavailable (see communication link arrows 2234, 2253) for search andretrieval of related or unrelated visual elements to be considered forincorporation in the composite visual work 2270. For example, thegrouping 2265 of visual elements (e.g., five point stars) as well asindividual visual element 2267 (e.g., five point star) shown to beincluded in composite visual work 2270 may have been part of existingdefault elements, or may have been obtained from other collections ofcaptured images.

Of course the geometric visual elements depicted in FIG. 61 are notintended to be attractive or aesthetic, but are merely illustrativesymbols that represent the countless visual objects and/or portionsthereof that can be targeted, captured, saved, altered, and in someinstances ultimately incorporated in a composite visual work.

It will be understood that composite visual work 2270 may constitute atentative composite display subject to further evaluation, deletions,substitution, reorientation, additions, modification, etc. In someinstances it may constitute a completed composite display to beexhibited, distributed, reproduced, etc. Of course retrieved visualelements may be incorporated in the composite visual work 2270 in theiroriginal form as distinct elements, or otherwise incorporated asaggregated elements that may be superimposed, altered, transformed,cropped, fragmented, etc. or otherwise modified in ways that areimpossible to enumerate.

Referring to the exemplary embodiment 2280 disclosed in the high levelflow chart of FIG. 62, exemplary process features for a composite imageselection method may include obtaining access to a collection ofcaptured images, (block 2281). providing a computerized user-interfacethat is capable of display of a representation of various visualelements that are part of a captured image from the collection (block2282), allowing a user to have viewing access to the display of therepresentation in order to make a selection of a possible componentelement to be incorporated as part of a composite work (block 2283), andproviding an input technique that enables an identification of theuser's selection of the possible component element (block 2284). Anadditional possible aspect may include establishing a record of theselection made by the user, which record facilitates future availabilityof the selection (block 2285).

Additional exemplary embodiment features 2290 shown in FIG. 63 mayinclude previously described process components 2281, 2282, 2283, 2284,2285 along with obtaining retrieval of a particular version of theselection of the possible component element (block 2291), andincorporating in the composite work the particular version of theselection of the possible component element in the composite work (block2292). Another possible aspect may include obtaining the retrieval ofthe particular version, which retrieval is based at least in part on across-reference association between multiple exposures of the same orsimilar various visual elements (block 2293).

Additional possible implementation features may include incorporating inthe composite work an original captured version (block 2294) as well asa modified version of the selection of the possible component element(block 2296). Other possible features may include providing a display oftwo or more captured images to facilitate the selection of the possiblecomponent element to be incorporated in the composite work (block 2297).

Referring to FIG. 64, exemplary embodiments 2300 may provide a compositeimage selection method 2286 that includes previously described processcomponents 2281, 2282, 2283, 2297 in combination with other displayaspects. For example, possible aspects may include implementing anadjacent display (block 2301) and in some instances a sequential display(block 2302) of the two or more captured images.

Other possible features may include implementing the display of two ormore captured images each having a same type of various visual elements(block 2303), and implementing the display of two or more capturedimages each having a different type of various visual elements (block2304). Additional implementation features may include implementing thedisplay of two or more captured still image frames or video image frameshaving related fields of view of the same various visual elements (block2305).

Further exemplary disclosed features in FIG. 64 include implementing thedisplay of two or more captured images having one or more of thefollowing related fields of view of the same various visual elements:zoom in, zoom out, close-up, distant, wide angle, narrow angle, frontal,partial right, partial left, upper vantage point, lower vantage point,overlapping, fragmented, variable view, still image view, video imageview, simultaneous, and time delayed (block 2306). Other possibleaspects may include implementing the display of two or more capturedstill images (block 2307), and implementing the display of two or morecaptured video frame images (block 2308).

As shown in the exemplary embodiments 2310 of FIG. 65, possible aspectmay include previously described process components 2286, 2281, 2282,2283 in combination with implementing the display of two or morecaptured images that include captured still images and captured videoframe images (block 2311). A further possible aspect may includeimplementing the display of two or more captured images each having adifferent quality characteristic (block 2312).

Other possible process features may include implementing the display ofcaptured images having one or more of the following type of differentquality attributes: aspect ratio, color space, color value, colorintensity, image intensity, resolution, pixel density, dynamic range,pixel depth, shutter speed, exposure frequency, fidelity, obfuscationlevel, object deletion, object substitution, and transformation (block2313).

Additional aspects illustrated in FIG. 65 may include implementing thedisplay of two or more captured images having one or more of thefollowing type of different quality characteristics for the same variousvisual elements: color balance, white balance, color space, depth offield, pixel capture resolution, pixel storage resolution, capturequality, storage quality, gray scale, ambient light sensor, wavelengthsetting, infra-red illumination, flash illumination, aperture opening,focal point, filter, shutter speed, automated shutter, manual shutter,still frame frequency, video frame frequency, post-capture alteration,high Q storage media, low Q storage media, programmed quality attribute,automated quality attribute, user-selected quality attribute, ownershipright, transfer right, post-capture editing, and meta-data (block 2314).

As shown in the detailed exemplary embodiments 2320 of FIG. 66, possibleprocess components may include previously described features 2281, 2282,2283, 2284 along with further examples of possible display features suchas implementing the display of an enlarged representation of the variousvisual elements of the captured image in the collection (block 2321).

Another possible aspect may include implementing via the computerizeduser-interface a retrieval and display of the same or similar variousvisual elements from multiple captured images of the collection prior tothe selection of the possible component element to be incorporated inthe composite work (block 2322). A further possible aspect may includeimplementing a simultaneous display of different combinations ofmultiple captured images for comparison prior to the selection of thepossible component element to be incorporated in the composite work(block 2323).

Some exemplary embodiments may enable the user to activate a screenindicator for identifying the various visual elements to be incorporatedas a possible component element in the composite work (block 2324).Other possible features may enable the user to activate the screenindicator includes one or more of the following techniques: pull-downmenu, cursor placement, directional pointer, area outline, area fill,object boundary, object labeling, manual screen touching, voiceactivation, identifier tag, editing code, item naming, itemconfirmation, preview selection, usage right permission, and usage rightrecognition (block 2326).

FIG. 66 also illustrates an exemplary feature that implements atentative assembly of the composite work that includes the possiblecomponent element (block 2327).

The exemplary embodiments 2330 of FIG. 67 may include previouslydescribed process components 2281, 2282, 2283, 2284, 2285 along withpossible aspects regarding assembly of a composite work. For example,the previously described feature that implements the tentative assemblyof the composite work (block 2327) may in some instances further includeenabling one or more of the following type of operations regarding thetentative assembly of the composite work: element positioning, elementorientation, element dimensions, substitution of different element,addition of new element, deletion of element, element combinations,grouping relationship, element spacing, and altered element (block2331). Another related aspect may include implementing a user-accessibledisplay of the tentative assembly of the composite work (block 2332).

Other possible aspects shown in FIG. 67 may include implementing acompleted assembly of the composite work that includes the possiblecomponent element (block 2333). Further implementation features mayinclude incorporating the combination of two or more possible componentelements in a completed assembly of a composite video image frame (block2334) as well as in a completed assembly of a composite still imageframe (block 2336). An additional exemplary feature may include creatinga stored version of the completed assembly of the composite work (block2337).

Referring to the flow chart of FIG. 68, various exemplary embodiments2340 may include previously described features 2281, 2282, 2283, 2284,2285, 2333 along with creating an altered form of the possible componentelement (block 2341), and incorporating the altered form of the possiblecomponent element in the completed assembly of the composite work (block2342). A related feature may include implementing one or more of thefollowing type of alteration techniques: data compression, resolutionenhancement, reduced resolution, increased resolution, objectobfuscation, object deletion, object addition, object substitution,algorithmic processing, image aggregation, cropping, color balancing,colorizing, and gray-scale implementation (block 2343).

Some implementations may include incorporating an original capturedversion of the possible component element in the completed assembly ofthe composite work (block 2344). Other possible aspects may includetransferring an original captured version of the possible componentelement to a storage module for future reference (block 2347), and insome instances transferring an altered form of the possible component toa storage module for future reference (block 2346).

The high level flow chart of FIG. 69 illustrates an exemplary embodiment2350 for creating a composite visual work, including identifying acollection of captured images (block 2351), associating rights-relatedinformation with one or more component elements of the captured images(block 2352), presenting a representation of at least one of thecaptured images for viewing by a user (block 2353), and enablingcompliance with the rights-related information in connection with aselection of a specified component element of the captured images forincorporation in a composite work (block 2354).

Referring to the exemplary embodiment features 2360 of FIG. 70,previously described process components 2351, 2352, 2353, 2354 may becombined with confirming the selection of the specified componentelement of the captured images for incorporation in a composite work(block 2361), and making a record to identify the specified componentelement selected for incorporation in a composite work (block 2362).

Additional possible aspects may include providing a cross-referencebetween the rights-related information and its associated componentelement of the captured images (block 2363), and providing useraccessibility to the rights-related information in connection with theselection of the specified component element for incorporation in thecomposite work (block 2364).

Further possible implementation features shown in FIG. 70 may includeincorporating in the composite work the selected component element ofthe captured images (block 2366); and making a record that identifiesthe rights-related information associated with the selected specifiedcomponent element, which record is operatively coupled with thecomposite work that incorporates the selection (block 2367).

Another possible aspect may include incorporating an identifier tag withthe associated component of the captured images to facilitate one ormore of the following type of accessibility: view, display, forward,create thumbnail, retrieve, copy, edit, change resolution, increaseresolution, decrease resolution, change format, combine images,distribute, delete, print, collate, restricted access, access security,modify identifier, delete identifier, add identifier, access right,usage right, limited license, transfer of rights, and ownershipassignment (block 2368).

The flow chart of FIG. 71 illustrates an exemplary embodiment 2370 for acomputer program product having one or more computer programs forexecuting a process (block 2371), wherein possible process componentsmay include displaying a representation of one or more captured images(block 2372), and providing a user-interface with accessibility to therepresentation of the captured images in order to facilitate a user'sselection of a specified visual component to be incorporated in acomposite work (block 2373). Other possible process components mayinclude providing an input technique that enables identification of theuser's selection of the specified visual component (block 2374), andestablishing a record of the user's selection of the specified visualcomponent (block 2376).

Other examples of exemplary process features that may be incorporated ina computer program product include establishing the record includecreating a stored version of the specified component of the capturedimages, and enabling access and retrieval of the stored version of thespecified visual component for incorporation in a composite work.

Additional computer program process features may include providingaccessibility via a user-interface to a representation of the capturedimages with one or more of the following techniques to facilitate theuser's selection of a specified visual component to be incorporated in acomposite work: pull-down menu, cursor placement, directional pointer,area outline, area fill, object labeling, screen touching, voiceactivation, identifier tag, editing code, manual activation, bodilymovement, device movement, gesture, motion sensor, item naming, itemconfirmation, preview selection, usage right attribute, and usage rightrecognition.

Other possible computer program components may include storage mediaand/or signal communication media for encoding instructions forexecuting the process.

A schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 72 includes a user-interface display 2380 capable of variousfunctions related to selection and usage of visual component forincorporation in a composite visual work. For example, selectedrepresentations 2381, 2382, 2383 of various available multiple exposuresmay include different quality attributes of a specified visual object(e.g., shown symbolically as a tri-band design), An adjacent display ofrepresentations 2381, 2382, 2383 as shown in FIG. 72 may facilitate auser's confirmation of a visual component for incorporation in acomposite visual work. In some instances an enlargement option such asindicated by 2382 a may facilitate a close-up inspection of the qualitycharacteristics of representation 2382.

As another example, selected representations 2385, 2386, 2387 of variousavailable multiple exposures may include different quality attributes ofa specified group of visual objects (e.g., shown symbolically as fivepoint stars). A sequential display (e.g., see scrolling arrows 2389) ofrepresentations 2385, 2386, 2387 as shown in FIG. 72 may facilitate auser's confirmation of a visual component for incorporation in acomposite visual work. It will be noted that such representations ofvisual image components may have differently sized dimensions and mayrequire further scrolling (see non-viewable portion 2388) in order toview the entire visual image component.

A further example in FIG. 72 shows an adjacent combination display offour representations 2390, 2391, 2392, 2393 selected from variousunrelated multiple exposures of different visual objects. It will beunderstood that the visual components included in the representation2390, 2391, 2392, 2393 may be original captured images as well asmodified images. For example, the close-up image of 2392 may haveoriginally been part of a captured distance view of the same person.

A search and retrieval operation may be facilitated by a cross-referenceassociation 2396 correlated with an individual exposure or group ofexposures. Similarly a search and retrieval operation may also befacilitated by an identifier tag 2397 correlated with an individualexposure or group of exposures. In some instances a particular visualobject originally captured in one exposure may also appear in anotherexposure (see female person 2395 shown in representation 2391 and alsoshown as 2395 a in representation 2385). This could be the result oforiginal exposures taken from different fields of view, or perhaps is aresult of an alteration of an original exposure (e.g., an aggregation ofdifferent combinations of visual objects).

It will be understood that various input techniques may be used tosearch, retrieve, manipulate, and ultimately confirm a selection of aparticular visual component for incorporation in a composite visualwork. In that regard, selector pointer 2399 may be user-activated asshown in FIG. 72 to select representation 2381 as a specified visualcomponent for tentative or final incorporation in a composite work.

Of course the visual representations depicted in FIG. 72 are intendedonly for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting.The different orientations, size scaling, stick figures, exaggeratedfeatures, etc. are provided as symbolic examples of the many qualitycharacteristics of diverse types of visual objects (e.g., persons,flora, fauna, background, buildings, vehicles, abstractions, etc.) thatcan be included in the subject matter of captured exposures.

Referring to the schematic block diagram of FIG. 73, an exemplaryembodiment of a computerized user-interface 2400 may include a displaymodule 2405 capable of providing some or all of the various displayfunctions shown in FIG. 72. For example, display module 2405 may includea selection module 2402, and representations of possible visualcomponents 2410 to be considered for selection. Possible availableexposures may include captured images 2411 as well as altered images2412.

Of course it will be understood that selection module 2402 may includevarious input techniques such as selection pointer 2399 as well as manyother possible input selection techniques. For example, one or more ofthe following techniques may be implemented to facilitate the user'sselection of the specified visual component to be incorporated in atentative or final composite work: pull-down menu, cursor placement,directional pointer, area outline, area fill, object labeling, screentouching, voice activation, identifier tag, editing code, manualactivation, bodily movement, device movement, gesture, motion sensor,item naming, item confirmation, preview selection, usage rightattribute, and usage right recognition.

Additional possible operational aspects that may be incorporated indisplay module 2405 include facilitating a tentative assembly of acomposite work 2406 as well as a completed assembly of a composite work2407. In that regard, a robust display module may enable substitution,deletion, addition, modification, as well as various other types ofmanipulation of individual or group visual components in order toachieve a desired composite visual appearance.

Operational functions of the computerized user-interface 2400 may beaccomplished by various hardware and/or software modules such asprocessor 2414, controller 2415, and one or more applications 2416.Additional possible components may include local storage 2417, imagedata records 2418 and a listing of user access permissions 2419.

In some implementations an image alteration module 2420 may be operablycoupled to the computerized user-interface 2400 for purposes of creatinga modified version of the possible visual component available forincorporation in the composite work. An exemplary embodiment of an imagealteration module 2420 may include various processing configurations forimplementing one or more of the following alteration techniques: datacompression, resolution enhancement, reduced resolution, increasedresolution, object obfuscation, object deletion, object addition, objectsubstitution, algorithmic processing, image aggregation, cropping, colorbalancing, colorizing, and grayscale implementation.

Some embodiments may provide direct or network access via wirecommunication link 2425 or via wireless communication link 2426 toremote storage 2430. It will be understood that such communication links2425, 2426 enable access and retrieval of selected visual componentsincorporated in the stored version of the multiple exposures forincorporation in a composite still image frame or a composite videoimage frame.

Possible data records maintained in remote storage 2430 may includecaptured video image exposures 2431 as well as stored versions of videoimage frames 2432. Other possible data records maintained in remotestorage 2430 may include captured still image exposures 2433 as well asstored versions of still image frames 2434.

Additional types of possible information to be maintained in remotestorage 2430 may include cross-reference records 2436 between multipleexposures of same or similar visual objects as well as cross-referencerecords for diverse groupings of video and/or still image exposures. Inthat regard, stored versions of captured images may include one or moreof the following type of cross-reference associations between themultiple exposures of visual objects: time stamp, date stamp,background, view location, project name, topic, client, video component,still component, component specification, storage media, storagelocation, component operator, participant, indicia ID, sequence numeral,thumbnail link, index listing, acronym, abbreviation, pointer link,hyper-link, icon, and barcode.

Additional types of data records maintained in remote storage 2430 mayinclude rights-related information associated with various imageexposures as well as visual components thereof. For example the storedversion of the captured images may include usage requirements regardingone or more of the following type of different quality characteristics:privacy right, proprietary right, restricted usage right, distributionright, ownership transfer, and license right.

Of course the illustrated storage locations are provided by way ofexample only, and storage functions can be shared between differentlocal and remote storage modules or provided exclusively by a singlestorage unit, or in some instances may be implemented inremovable/transportable storage media depending on the circumstances.

Some system embodiments may provide storage media for retaining a storedversion of the one or more captured images for future reference, whereinthe stored version includes a cross-reference association betweenmultiple exposures having different quality characteristics of relatedvisual objects.

Various types of operational features disclosed herein may beimplemented in exemplary image capture system embodiments. For example,an exemplary system feature may include one or more ancillary componentsfor helping to provide different types of enhanced still or video imagesderived from a field of view for the image capture module. Otherpossible system features may include one or more ancillary componentsfor providing input information to a controller module based on amonitored or sensed or detected event in a fixed or variable field ofview of the video capture component or of the still image capturecomponent.

Further possible system features may include control means forimplementing user coordination or programmed coordination or automatedcoordination of the related fields of view of the video capturecomponent and the still image capture component.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the variouscomponents and elements disclosed in the block diagrams herein as wellas the various steps and sub-steps disclosed in the flow charts hereinmay be incorporated together in different claimed combinations in orderto enhance possible benefits and advantages.

The exemplary system, apparatus, and computer program productembodiments disclosed herein including FIGS. 1-4 and FIGS. 9-11 and FIG.19 and FIGS. 38-39 and FIG. 51 and FIGS. 59-61 and FIGS. 72-73 alongwith other components, devices, know-how, skill and techniques that areknown in the art have the capability of implementing and practicing themethods and processes shown in FIGS. 5-8 and FIGS. 12-18 and FIGS. 20-37and FIGS. 40-50 and FIGS. 52-58 and FIGS. 62-71. It is to be understoodthat the methods and processes can be incorporated in one or moredifferent types of computer program products with a carrier mediumhaving program instructions encoded thereon. However it is to be furtherunderstood by those skilled in the art that other systems, apparatus andtechnology may be used to implement and practice such methods andprocesses.

Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the various aspects ofthe embodiments for methods, processes, apparatus and systems asdescribed herein can be implemented, individually and/or collectively,by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or any combinationthereof.

It will be understood that variations may be incorporated in themethods, systems and program products disclosed herein for determiningwhat data to transfer to the separate storage location, and what data tobe retained by the capture device. Some predetermined guidelines orreal-time decisions may be employed to determine how and whether toorganize and reorganize the transferred data as well as how and whetherto organize and reorganize the retained data. Possible factors mayinclude rule guidelines, user input, context at the capture (e.g.,transferring) device and/or at the separate storage location. Othertypes of factors may include space, bandwidth, device capabilities,accessibility of remote storage, cost task, preferences, etc.

It will be further understood that a possible return transfer (e.g.,retrieval, etc.) from the separate storage location back to the capturedevice or other designated device (e.g., another device being used by anauthorized user or other authorized third party) may depend on variousfactors such as freed-up or added device storage, bandwidthopportunities, tasks, context, etc.

Various computer program product embodiments and process components mayinclude allowing accessibility to the selected captured data by anauthorized party, as well as accessibility to the selected captured databy a designated device. Other possible features may include storagemedia or communication media for encoding process instructions.

It will be understood from the illustrative examples herein that atechnique as disclosed herein processes captured data on a device,wherein selected captured data of a given quality resolution istransferred via a communication link to a separate storage location forfuture availability. A storage protocol may include different storageorganization categories. A possible aspect includes an identifier recordto enable future accessibility to selected captured data by one or moreauthorized parties or approved devices or authorized recipients. In someembodiments the captured data may include both a video data stream andone or more still image frames having different quality characteristicsand/or formats. Initial and ongoing coordination as well as correlationmay be facilitated between video and still image data derived fromrelated fields of view.

Further exemplary embodiments provide a technique that processescaptured images derived from selected targeted objects in a field ofview. The captured images may be transferred via a communication link toa storage location for future availability. A possible aspect mayprovide a cross-reference association between saved multiple exposureshaving different quality characteristics. In some instances anidentifier record is provided to enable future accessibility to selectedcaptured data by one or more authorized parties or approved devices orauthorized recipients. In some embodiments the captured data may includeboth a video data stream and one or more still image frames derived fromrelated fields of view. Stored versions of the captured images may beprovided in original or altered form to be incorporated in a compositevisual work.

Those having skill in the art will recognize that the state of the arthas progressed to the point where there is little distinction leftbetween hardware and software implementations of aspects of systems; theuse of hardware or software is generally (but not always, in that incertain contexts the choice between hardware and software can becomesignificant) a design choice representing cost versus efficiencytradeoffs. Those having skill in the art will appreciate that there arevarious vehicles by which processes and/or systems and/or othertechnologies described herein can be effected (e.g., hardware, software,and/or firmware), and that the preferred vehicle may vary with thecontext in which the processes and/or systems and/or other technologiesare deployed. For example, if an implementer determines that speed andaccuracy are paramount, the implementer may opt for a mainly hardwareand/or firmware vehicle; alternatively, if flexibility is paramount, theimplementer may opt for a mainly software implementation; or, yet againalternatively, the implementer may opt for some combination of hardware,software, and/or firmware. Hence, there are several possible vehicles bywhich the processes and/or devices and/or other technologies describedherein may be effected, none of which is inherently superior to theother in that any vehicle to be utilized is a choice dependent upon thecontext in which the vehicle may be deployed and the specific concerns(e.g., speed, flexibility, or predictability) of the implementer, any ofwhich may vary. Those skilled in the art will recognize that opticalaspects of implementations will require optically-oriented hardware,software, and or firmware.

The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments ofthe devices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams, flowdiagrams, operation diagrams, flowcharts, illustrations, and/orexamples. Insofar as such block diagrams, operation diagrams,flowcharts, illustrations, and/or examples contain one or more functionsand/or operations, it will be understood by those within the art thateach function and/or operation within such block diagrams, operationdiagrams, flowcharts, illustrations, or examples can be implemented,individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software,firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. In one embodiment,several portions of the subject matter described herein may beimplemented via Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), FieldProgrammable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), orother integrated formats. However, those skilled in the art willrecognize that some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, inwhole or in part, can be equivalently implemented in standard integratedcircuits, as one or more computer programs running on one or morecomputers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computersystems), as one or more programs running on one or more processors(e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors),as firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof, and that designingthe circuitry and/or writing the code for the software and or firmwarewould be well within the skill of one of skill in the art in light ofthis disclosure. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the mechanisms of the subject matter described herein are capableof being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, andthat an illustrative embodiment of the subject matter described hereinapplies equally regardless of the particular type of signal bearingmedia used to actually carry out the distribution. Examples of a signalbearing media include, but are not limited to, the following: recordabletype media such as floppy disks, hard disk drives, CD ROMs, digitaltape, and computer memory; and

transmission type media such as digital and analog communication linksusing TDM or IP based communication links (e.g., packet links).

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, termsused herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of theappended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term“including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” theterm “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term“includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,”etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if aspecific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such anintent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence ofsuch recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid tounderstanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of theintroductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claimrecitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed toimply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinitearticles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing suchintroduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one suchrecitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases“one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or“an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “atleast one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use ofdefinite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, evenif a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitlyrecited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitationshould typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number(e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without othermodifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or morerecitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a conventionanalogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in generalsuch a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the artwould understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one ofA, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have Aalone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and Ctogether, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where aconvention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, ingeneral such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill inthe art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at leastone of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that haveA alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and Ctogether, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.).

The herein described aspects depict different components containedwithin, or connected with, different other components. It is to beunderstood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary, andthat in fact many other architectures can be implemented which achievethe same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement ofcomponents to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated”such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any twocomponents herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can beseen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionalityis achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components.Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being“operably connected,” or “operably coupled,” to each other to achievethe desired functionality. Any two components capable of being soassociated can also be viewed as being “operably couplable” to eachother to achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples ofoperably couplable include but are not limited to physically mateableand/or physically interacting components and/or wirelessly interactableand/or wirelessly interacting components.

As a further definition of “open” terms in the present specification andclaims, it will be understood that usage of a language construction “Aor B” is generally interpreted as a non-exclusive “open term” meaning: Aalone, B alone, A and B together.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, otheraspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes ofillustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scopeand spirit being indicated by the following claims.

1. A composite image selection method comprising: obtaining access to acollection of captured images; providing a computerized user-interfacethat is capable of display of a representation of various visualelements that are part of a captured image from the collection; allowinga user to have viewing access to the display of the representation inorder to make a selection of a possible component element to beincorporated as part of a composite work; providing an input techniquethat enables an identification of the user's selection of the possiblecomponent element; and establishing a record of the selection made bythe user, which record facilitates future availability of the selection.2. The method of claim 1 further comprising: obtaining retrieval of aparticular version of the selection of the possible component element.3. The method of claim 2 further comprising: incorporating in thecomposite work the particular version of the selection of the possiblecomponent element in the composite work.
 4. The method of claim 2wherein said obtaining retrieval of the particular version of theselection includes: obtaining the retrieval of the particular version,which retrieval is based at least in part on a cross-referenceassociation between multiple exposures of the same or similar variousvisual elements.
 5. The method of claim 1 further comprising:incorporating in the composite work an original captured version of theselection of the possible component element.
 6. The method of claim 1further comprising: incorporating in the composite work a modifiedversion of the selection of the possible component element.
 7. Themethod of claim 1 wherein said providing the user-interface includes:providing a display of two or more captured images to facilitate theselection of the possible component element to be incorporated in thecomposite work.
 8. The method of claim 7 wherein said providing thedisplay of two or more captured images includes; implementing anadjacent display of the two or more captured images.
 9. The method ofclaim 7 wherein said providing the display of the two or more capturedimages includes; implementing a sequential display of the two or morecaptured images.
 10. The method of claim 7 wherein said providing thedisplay of the two or more captured images includes: implementing thedisplay of two or more captured images each having a same type ofvarious visual elements.
 11. The method of claim 7 wherein saidproviding the display of the two or more captured images includes:implementing the display of two or more captured images each having adifferent type of various visual elements.
 12. The method of claim 7wherein said providing the display of the two or more captured imagesincludes: implementing the display of two or more captured still imageframes or video image frames having related fields of view of the samevarious visual elements.
 13. The method of claim 7 wherein saidproviding the display of the two or more captured images includes:implementing the display of two or more captured images having one ormore of the following related fields of view of the same various visualelements: zoom in, zoom out, close-up, distant, wide angle, narrowangle, frontal, partial right, partial left, upper vantage point, lowervantage point, overlapping, fragmented, variable view, still image view,video image view, simultaneous, and time delayed.
 14. The method ofclaim 7 wherein said providing the display of the two or more capturedimages includes: implementing the display of two or more captured stillimages.
 15. The method of claim 7 wherein said providing the display ofthe two or more captured images includes: implementing the display oftwo or more captured video frame images.
 16. The method of claim 7wherein said providing the display of the two or more captured imagesincludes: implementing the display of two or more captured images thatinclude captured still images and captured video frame images.
 17. Themethod of claim 7 wherein said providing the display of the two or morecaptured images includes: implementing the display of two or morecaptured images each having a different quality characteristic.
 18. Themethod of claim 7 wherein said providing the display of the two or morecaptured images includes: implementing the display of captured imageshaving one or more of the following type of different qualityattributes: aspect ratio, color space, color value, color intensity,image intensity, resolution, pixel density, dynamic range, pixel depth,shutter speed, exposure frequency, fidelity, obfuscation level, objectdeletion, object substitution, and transformation.
 19. The method ofclaim 7 wherein said providing the display of the two or more capturedimages includes: implementing the display of two or more captured imageshaving one or more of the following type of different qualitycharacteristics for the same various visual elements: color balance,white balance, color space, depth of field, pixel capture resolution,pixel storage resolution, capture quality, storage quality, gray scale,ambient light sensor, wavelength setting, infra-red illumination, flashillumination, aperture opening, focal point, filter, shutter speed,automated shutter, manual shutter, still frame frequency, video framefrequency, post-capture alteration, high Q storage media, low Q storagemedia, programmed quality attribute, automated quality attribute,user-selected quality attribute, ownership right, transfer right,post-capture editing, and meta-data.
 20. The method of claim 1 whereinsaid providing the computerized user-interface includes: implementingthe display of an enlarged representation of the various visual elementsof the captured image in the collection.
 21. The method of claim 1wherein said providing the computerized user-interface includes:implementing via the computerized user-interface a retrieval and displayof the same or similar various visual elements from multiple capturedimages of the collection prior to the selection of the possiblecomponent element to be incorporated in the composite work.
 22. Themethod of claim 21 wherein said implementing the display of the multiplecaptured images includes; implementing a simultaneous display ofdifferent combinations of multiple captured images for comparison priorto the selection of the possible component element to be incorporated inthe composite work.
 23. The method of claim 1 wherein said providing aninput technique that enables an identification of the user's selectionincludes: enabling the user to activate a screen indicator foridentifying the various visual elements to be incorporated as a possiblecomponent element in the composite work.
 24. The method of claim 23wherein said enabling the user to activate the screen indicator includesone or more of the following techniques: pull-down menu, cursorplacement, directional pointer, area outline, area fill, objectboundary, object labeling, manual screen touching, voice activation,identifier tag, editing code, item naming, item confirmation, previewselection, usage right permission, and usage right recognition.
 25. Themethod of claim 1 further comprising: implementing a tentative assemblyof the composite work that includes the possible component element. 26.The method of claim 25 wherein said implementing the tentative assemblyincludes: enabling one or more of the following type of operationsregarding the tentative assembly of the composite work: elementpositioning, element orientation, element dimensions, substitution ofdifferent element, addition of new element, deletion of element, elementcombinations, grouping relationship, element spacing, and alteredelement.
 27. The method of claim 25 further comprising: implementing auser-accessible display of the tentative assembly of the composite work.28. The method of claim 1 further comprising: implementing a completedassembly of the composite work that includes the possible componentelement.
 29. The method of claim 28 further comprising: incorporatingthe combination of two or more possible component elements in acompleted assembly of a composite video image frame.
 30. The method ofclaim 28 further comprising: incorporating the combination of two ormore possible component elements in a completed assembly of a compositestill image frame.
 31. The method of claim 28 further comprising:creating a stored version of the completed assembly of the compositework.
 32. The method of claim 28 further comprising: incorporating anoriginal captured version of the possible component element in thecompleted assembly of the composite work.
 33. The method of claim 28further comprising: creating an altered form of the possible componentelement; and incorporating the altered form of the possible componentelement in the completed assembly of the composite work.
 34. The methodof claim 33 wherein said creating an altered form of the possiblecomponent includes: implementing one or more of the following type ofalteration techniques: data compression, resolution enhancement, reducedresolution, increased resolution, object obfuscation, object deletion,object addition, object substitution, algorithmic processing, imageaggregation, cropping, color balancing, colorizing, and gray-scaleimplementation.
 35. The method of claim 1 wherein said establishing therecord includes: transferring an altered form of the possible componentto a storage module for future reference.
 36. The method of claim 1wherein said establishing the record includes: transferring an originalcaptured version of the possible component element to a storage modulefor future reference. 37-44. (canceled)
 45. A computer program producthaving one or more computer programs for executing the followingprocess; displaying a representation of one or more captured images;providing a user-interface with accessibility to the representation ofthe captured images in order to facilitate a user's selection of aspecified visual component to be incorporated in a composite work;providing an input technique that enables identification of the user'sselection of the specified visual component; and establishing a recordof the user's selection of the specified visual component.
 46. Thecomputer program product of claim 45 wherein said process componentestablishing the record includes: creating a stored version of thespecified component of the captured images.
 47. The computer programproduct of claim 45, wherein the process further includes: enablingaccess and retrieval of the stored version of the specified visualcomponent for incorporation in a composite work.
 48. The computerprogram product of claim 45 wherein said process component providing auser-interface with accessibility to the representation of the capturedimages includes: providing one or more of the following techniques viathe user interface to facilitate the user's selection of a specifiedvisual component to be incorporated in a composite work: pull-down menu,cursor placement, directional pointer, area outline, area fill, objectlabeling, screen touching, voice activation, identifier tag, editingcode, manual activation, bodily movement, device movement, gesture,motion sensor, item naming, item confirmation, preview selection, usageright attribute, and usage right recognition.
 49. The computer programproduct of claim 45 further comprising: storage media and/or signalcommunication media for encoding instructions for executing the process.50. An image access system comprising: a computerized user-interface forfacilitating selection of one or more visual components to beincorporated in a composite work; a data record that includes anidentification of one or more captured images having a possible visualcomponent available for display and retrieval; a display moduleoperatively coupled with the computerized user-interface to enableviewing of a representation of the possible visual component; and aprocessing module for accomplishing retrieval of a selected visualcomponent for incorporation in the composite work.
 51. The system ofclaim 50 further comprising: storage media for retaining a storedversion of the one or more captured images for future reference, whereinthe stored version includes a cross-reference association betweenmultiple exposures having different quality characteristics of relatedvisual objects.
 52. The system of claim 51 wherein the stored version ofthe captured images includes one or more of the following differentquality characteristics: privacy right, proprietary right, restrictedusage right, distribution right, ownership transfer, and license right.53. The system of claim 51 wherein the stored versions of the capturedimages include one or more of the following type of cross-referenceassociations between the multiple exposures of the related visualobjects: time stamp, date stamp, background, view location, projectname, topic, client, video component, still component, componentspecification, storage media, storage location, component operator,participant, indicia ID, sequence numeral, thumbnail link, indexlisting, acronym, abbreviation, pointer link, hyper-link, icon, andbarcode.
 54. The system of claim 51 wherein said processing moduleincludes an access link to the storage media to enable access andretrieval of selected visual components incorporated in the storedversion of the multiple exposures for incorporation in a composite stillimage frame or a composite video image frame.
 55. The system of claim 50further comprising: an alteration module for creating a modified versionof the possible visual component available for incorporation in thecomposite work.
 56. The system of claim 55 wherein said alterationmodule includes: a processing configuration for implementing one or moreof the following alteration techniques: data compression, resolutionenhancement, reduced resolution, increased resolution, objectobfuscation, object deletion, object addition, object substitution,algorithmic processing, image aggregation, cropping, color balancing,colorizing, and grayscale implementation.
 57. The system of claim 50wherein said computerized user-interface includes: an interfaceconfiguration that provides one or more of the following techniques tofacilitate the user's selection of the specified visual component to beincorporated in a tentative or final composite work: pull-down menu,cursor placement, directional pointer, area outline, area fill, objectlabeling, screen touching, voice activation, identifier tag, editingcode, manual activation, bodily movement, device movement, gesture,motion sensor, item naming, item confirmation, preview selection, usageright attribute, and usage right recognition.
 58. The system of claim 50further comprising: storage media for retaining a stored version of theone or more captured images for future reference, wherein the storedversion includes multiple exposures of one or more of the following typeof visual objects: same objects, related objects, unrelated objects, andspecified visual elements.
 59. The system of claim 50 wherein saidprocessing module includes: a processing module for accomplishingretrieval of an original or altered version of the possible visualcomponent to be available for incorporation in the composite work. 60.The system of claim 50 wherein said computerized user-interfaceincludes; an interface configuration that provides accessibility to anidentifier tag associated with the possible visual component of thecaptured images to facilitate one or more of the following: view,display, forward, create thumbnail, retrieve, copy, edit, changeresolution, increase resolution, decrease resolution, change format,combine images, distribute, delete, print, collate, restricted access,access security, modify identifier, delete identifier, add identifier,access right, usage right, limited license, transfer of rights, andownership assignment.
 61. The system of claim 50 wherein said displaymodule includes: a display module that is capable of implementingviewing access to a representation of two or more captured still imagesframes or captured video images having related fields of view of one ormore various visual elements.
 62. The system of claim 50 wherein saidcomputerized user-interface is operatively coupled with the displaymodule to implement a user-accessible display of a tentative assembly orcompleted assembly of the composite work.
 63. The system of claim 50further comprising: a storage module for retaining a stored version ofthe composite work.
 64. The computer program product of claim 45 whereinsaid process further includes: associating one or more of the followingdifferent quality characteristics with the specified visual component:privacy right, proprietary right, restricted usage right, distributionright, ownership transfer, and license right.
 65. The computer programproduct of claim 45 wherein said process further includes: providing anidentifier tag associated with the specified visual component of thecaptured images to facilitate one or more of the following: view,display, forward, create thumbnail, retrieve, copy, edit, changeresolution, increase resolution, decrease resolution, change format,combine images, distribute, delete, print, collate, restricted access,access security, modify identifier, delete identifier, add identifier,access right, usage right, limited license, transfer of rights, andownership assignment.
 66. The computer program product of claim 45wherein said process feature displaying the representation of one ormore captured images includes: displaying multiple exposures of one ormore of the following type of visual objects: same objects, relatedobjects, unrelated objects, and specified visual elements.